A new test for Democrats - where they stand on Israel

What Happened

In New York City’s 10th congressional district Democratic primary last week, City Comptroller Brad Lander defeated incumbent Congressman Dan Goldman in a landslide. Lander ran on a platform sharply critical of Israel, labeling its military campaign in Gaza a genocide, pledging to vote against US military funding for Israel, and refusing donations from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). Goldman, while also criticizing the Israeli government and settlement expansion, did not use the term genocide and had previously accepted AIPAC contributions. The race, along with two other New York primaries where candidates endorsed by Mayor Zohran Mamdani won, highlighted a growing divide within the Democratic Party. Polling data from Pew Research Center shows 80% of Democrats now view Israel unfavorably, an 11-point increase from last year, with even Republicans under 50 shifting. The results are expected to force tougher debates in Congress over Israel policy and influence upcoming primaries, such as Michigan’s Senate race in August, as candidates align with a base that increasingly views criticism of Israel as a signal against the status quo.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The primary results signal a deepening schism in the Democratic Party over Israel, with the party’s base—especially young, urban, progressive voters—demanding more confrontational policies. This shift could reshape Democratic leadership, influence tight Senate races like Michigan, and lead to substantive debates over US military aid to Israel once these candidates enter Congress. It also reflects broader American public opinion trends that could affect bipartisan support for Israel in Washington.

Watch For

The Michigan US Senate Democratic primary in August will test whether the New York pattern extends to a battleground state. Also monitor whether Lander and similar candidates, expected to win in November, follow through on pledges to condition or block military funding, and how leaders like Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries respond to growing pressure from their caucus.