Overview
- The first one-on-one debate between Rep. Haley Stevens and Abdul El‑Sayed took place Tuesday night and centered on U.S. policy toward Israel, outside spending, and who speaks for the Democratic Party.
- El‑Sayed accused Israel and the pro‑Israel lobby AIPAC of buying influence and pushing U.S. military policy, while Stevens criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and defended her record of support for a two‑state approach.
- Reporting shows El‑Sayed has led recent polls, McMorrow suspended her campaign earlier this week turning the race into a head-to-head contest, and the Aug. 4 primary will determine the Democratic nominee for a pivotal open Senate seat.
- Outside groups have poured significant money into the primary, with pro‑Israel and establishment spending backing Stevens and some Republican ads benefiting El‑Sayed, producing mutual accusations that outside actors are trying to shape the result.
- Controversies surfaced over El‑Sayed’s past appearances with contentious figures and his refusal so far to release tax returns, and those issues are being used to question his transparency and general‑election viability.