The Iran war is influencing Democratic primaries ahead of November’s midterm elections, with progressives faulting moderate rivals for not opposing President Donald Trump’s bombing campaign strongly enough and for what they call overly close ties with defense contractors and Israel.
The tensions are emerging in Democratic primaries for Senate and House seats in Michigan, Colorado, Illinois, Maine and North Carolina, a Reuters review shows. At least half a dozen progressives are challenging establishment-backed or moderate rivals over the Iran war, arguing that donations to their opponents from defense contractors and pro-Israel groups undercut their opposition to the conflict.
These primary battles highlight a broader struggle inside the party over its future as it tries to rebuild after election losses in 2024 and starts to consider potential candidates for the 2028 presidential election.
For progressives, the U.S.-Israeli bombing of Iran has sparked anew longstanding demands to end American-led wars and curb the influence of defense industry and billionaire donors, while shifting attention to economic fairness and equal rights at home.
Progressives have seized on the Iran war in speeches, media interviews, TV ads and fundraising appeals, accusing some of their opponents of taking donations from defense contractors and from groups affiliated with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, the powerful pro-Israel political lobbying group.
