Divided over Israel, Detroit Democrats unite on rising costs for midterm elections
SPY•Jewish, Muslim and Black voters interviewed in Detroit said affordability often outweighs divisions over Israel and Gaza ahead of the November 3 midterms. In a competitive Michigan Senate race, Abdul El-Sayed leads Mike Rogers 48% to 46% in a RealClearPolitics average.
1. Costs dominate voter concerns
Detroit voters interviewed ahead of the midterms often put rising costs ahead of disputes over Israel and Gaza, though some have reservations about Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed. A RealClearPolitics average gives El-Sayed a two-point lead over former congressman Mike Rogers, 48% to 46%.
2. Households feel the squeeze
Dayna Broadnax, a single mother of four who drives for Lyft, said gas takes at least $50 of the $150 she earns on a typical day. She sometimes skips meals so her children can eat and has not decided whom to support, saying she will back the candidate most focused on lowering costs. Detroit’s St. Suzanne Community Resource Center reports continued requests for help with rent, utility bills and heating.
3. Israel remains a divide
Some Jewish voters are uneasy with El-Sayed’s views on Israel and his response to an attack on a suburban synagogue; Rabbi Aaron Starr said he would not vote for him. Other voters, including Jewish resident Alicia Chandler and Muslim student Sumayah Dhalai, said costs such as gas, rent and groceries weigh heavily in their decisions.
