Jewish voters in Michigan could provide the decisive margin in the state’s November Senate election, with some lifelong Democrats considering a vote for Republican Mike Rogers against Democrat Abdul El-Sayed.
Concerns Over El-Sayed’s Positions
El-Sayed’s positions regarding Israel and Zionism have led some Jewish voters to question their traditional support for the Democratic Party. Steve Cohen, a lifelong Michigan resident, expressed concerns over the safety of his children and community, citing attacks on synagogues and school buildings.
Benji, a self-identified liberal, stated that El-Sayed’s requirement for Jews to be anti-Zionist is a “racist purity test” that makes his claim of loving Jews and the Jewish people ring hollow. Stacy, a fifth-generation Democratic Jewish family member, felt hostility towards her at the state convention for supporting Israel.
Jewish Voters’ Impact
Jewish voters make up approximately 1.4% of Michigan’s electorate, with much of the community concentrated in the Detroit suburbs. According to the American Jewish Population Project, there are an estimated 105,000 to 130,000 Jewish adults in the state.
Analysts believe that Rogers’ experience, including his time as a former Army officer and congressman, may give him an edge with Jewish voters. However, Jesse Arm, a Manhattan Institute vice president and pollster, cautioned that Rogers should not take the voting bloc for granted.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
