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Michigan Democratic Attorney General Dana Nessel boycotts party convention over safety concerns

The decision underscores internal party tensions regarding U.S. policy toward Israel ahead of the state's key Senate race.

Updated Aug 29, 2026 · 10:21 UTC1 reports

The short version

  • Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced she will not attend the state Democratic nominating convention in Lansing due to security fears.
  • Nessel cited concerns over antisemitic harassment and previous disruptions by anti-Israel activists at an April convention.
  • The Michigan Democratic Party stated it is committed to maintaining a safe environment for attendees and rejecting antisemitism and Islamophobia.
  • Internal party divisions over Israel persist as Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed faces Republican Mike Rogers in Michigan's U.S. Senate race.

Key facts

  • Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, who is Jewish, announced she is boycotting the August 29 state Democratic nominating convention over safety and harassment concerns.[Fox News]
  • Nessel referenced an April party convention where pro-Israel speakers, including Democratic Rep. Haley Stevens, were shouted down by anti-Israel activists.[Fox News]
  • The Michigan Democratic Party stated it is working to ensure the Lansing Center event is secure and rejected all forms of antisemitism and Islamophobia.[Fox News]
  • Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed, who narrowly defeated Stevens in the primary, has faced criticism from some Jewish Democrats for his stance on Israel and past comments on its military actions in Gaza.[Fox News]
  • El-Sayed publicly affirmed his commitment to combating antisemitism and protecting the safety of the Jewish community alongside all residents.[Fox News]
  • Republican candidate Mike Rogers is competing against El-Sayed to succeed retiring Democratic Sen. Gary Peters in November.[Fox News]

What remains uncertain

  • The extent to which internal Democratic divisions over Israel will influence Jewish voter turnout or support for Republican candidate Mike Rogers in November remains uncertain.[Fox News]

Sources