Most US Democrats in early 2028 primary states oppose aid to Israel: Poll

What the report says

A new poll highlighted by Al Jazeera suggests that many Democratic voters in the first states set to vote in the 2028 US presidential primary are increasingly critical of Israel and opposed to US military assistance. The survey, released by the IMEU Policy Project and conducted by YouGov, covered likely Democratic voters in South Carolina, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Michigan and Virginia.

According to the findings reported by Al Jazeera, majorities in those states said they believe Israel is committing genocide in Gaza. The strongest result cited was in Michigan, where 80 percent of respondents agreed with that view, including 91 percent of voters under 45. In South Carolina, the first state scheduled to hold a Democratic primary on January 22, a majority opposed selling arms to Israel.

The poll also found support across the six states for sanctions on Israel and for enforcing the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The IMEU Policy Project argued that backing for Israel in the Democratic base has become minimal, while Al Jazeera noted that the results fit a broader shift in Democratic public opinion since the war in Gaza began in 2023.

The findings matter because the early primary states often shape a party’s nominee and can pressure candidates to adjust their platforms. Al Jazeera reported that Democratic leaders in Washington still broadly support Israel, but that recent congressional votes and primary wins by progressive critics suggest the issue is likely to remain prominent in 2028.