Senate races expose Democratic divisions over policy and the party’s future

Jon Ossoff is seeking a second term in Georgia, while Abdul El-Sayed is running for Michigan’s open Senate seat in the 3 November US midterms. France 24 reports the contests as part of Democrats’ effort to regain Senate control and as a test of competing approaches within the party.

Ossoff faces Republican Mike Collins. France 24 describes the incumbent as a moderate with broad appeal in a conservative state; the report says he is ahead in polling, though it provides no underlying figures. In Michigan, El-Sayed, a physician and public health expert with no elected experience, faces Republican Mike Rogers. He narrowly won the Democratic nomination against Haley Stevens, and the race is described as a tossup.

The candidates’ differences are especially visible on Israel and Gaza. France 24 reports that El-Sayed opposes unconditional US aid to Israel and calls its military campaign in Gaza a genocide. Ossoff has criticised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s conduct of the war while saying the US should continue supporting Israel; he has voted both to block a proposed arms export to Israeli police and against a resolution to block air-to-ground munitions sales.

El-Sayed’s position featured prominently in a primary that exposed divisions among Michigan Democrats. Stevens ran on a pro-Israel platform, while El-Sayed criticised her acceptance of donations from sources affiliated with AIPAC. After his win, state Democrats, including Stevens and Senator Elissa Slotkin, backed him in the general election, though the issue remains a target for Republican attacks.

Republicans have also made inflammatory claims about the candidates. Senator Ted Cruz accused El-Sayed of seeking to implement Sharia law, while former president Donald Trump and Rogers made separate attacks on his views and patriotism. These claims are allegations, not established facts.

The races may shape the party’s national profile, but their effect on its 2028 presidential field remains uncertain. France 24’s quoted analysts expect the midterms to put potential party leaders in view, while describing a likely contest between moderates and the left over the party’s direction.