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2w ago

Michigan Democrats Pick Amir Makled Over Jordan Acker for University of Michigan Regent

The delegate choice signals rising sway for the party’s pro‑Palestinian wing in a state where elected regents hold wide control over campus budgets, investments, and leadership.

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Amir Makled, a pro-Palestinian candidate for University of Michigan board of regents, addresses the crowd at a rally for U.S. Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed in Ann Arbor, April 7, 2026. Makled, who had praised Hezbollah's leader in a past social media post, bested Jewish incumbent regent Jordan Acker for the state Democratic Party nomination later that month. (Andrew Lapin/JTA)
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Eli Savit (Candidate photo)

Overview

  • The Michigan Democratic Party convention, which met Sunday, nominated attorney Amir Makled over incumbent Jordan Acker for a University of Michigan Board of Regents seat, with incumbent Paul Brown also advancing.
  • Makled deleted past posts that praised Hezbollah figures and shared antisemitic content, and SEIU’s Michigan branch pulled its endorsement after those posts were reported.
  • Acker, who is Jewish, had his home and car vandalized in 2024 in incidents described as antisemitic, and he disputed a late‑breaking report alleging lewd Slack messages ahead of the vote.
  • Makled and Brown will face Republicans Lena Epstein and Michael Schostak in November for two of the board’s eight statewide seats.
  • The outcome highlights a broader shift in Michigan Democratic politics on Israel, with Makled allied to Senate candidate Abdul El‑Sayed and delegates booing pro‑Israel candidate Haley Stevens at the same convention.