Pro-Palestinian activists confronted U.S. Senate candidate Rep. Haley Stevens (D-Mich.) during her speech at the Michigan Democratic Party’s spring convention last Sunday.
As Stevens, a pro-Israel Democrat, took the stage alongside union officials, she was met with loud heckling from the crowd, particularly regarding her support for Israel. “I love you, Democrats, even if we disagree,” she attempted to say, yet her words were quickly drowned out by boos and jeers.
When Stevens finished her remarks, several audience members stood up, raising their fists and chanting, “shame on you.” This moment underscores the leftward shift within the Democratic Party, highlighting how support for Israel has become a contentious issue in Michigan’s three-way Democratic primary, especially given the state’s significant Jewish and Arab populations.
Stevens has been criticized by progressive Democrats for her long-standing pro-Israel views and her backing from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). In contrast, her main competitors take even more left-leaning positions.
U.S. Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, endorsed by Sen. Bernie Sanders from Vermont, and Michigan U.S. Sen. Mallory McMorrow have both condemned Israel’s actions and expressed their commitment to the pro-Israel lobby.
Recently, Stevens provoked backlash from progressives in Michigan after she explicitly distanced herself from Hasan Piker, a far-left online figure known for anti-Semitic remarks and pro-Hamas commentary. Piker has made inflammatory statements about Orthodox Jews and has been controversial for downplaying violence in recent conflicts.
Stevens cautioned that aligning with figures like Piker could have serious political repercussions for Democrats, stating, “There’s no way anyone campaigning with someone like that can win in Michigan.”
On the other hand, McMorrow has taken a stricter stance against anti-Semitism, openly criticizing El-Sayed for his support of Piker while denying his pro-Israel views. At the convention, some attendees shouted “Abdul” in support of the more progressive candidate.
The dynamic in this battleground state is crucial, with the Republican Party seeing it as a prime opportunity. Former Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Mich.), backed by former President Donald Trump, is anticipated to be a strong contender for the Republican nomination. Meanwhile, Democrats are working hard to retain the seat left vacant by retiring U.S. Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich.).
This senate race is significant enough that it’s been marked as a “big issue” by both parties. Stevens is the only candidate with congressional experience and enjoys support from leaders associated with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York, who, while keeping a distance from El-Sayed, is somewhat open to McMorrow.
Fox News Digital has reached out to Stevens’ campaign for comment.
