Democrats Go to War With Each Other Over Iran

The war with Iran is increasingly shaping Democratic primary battles ahead of November’s midterm elections, exposing deep divisions within the party between progressive challengers and more moderate incumbents.

Across key races in states including Michigan, Colorado, North Carolina, Illinois and Maine, progressive candidates are attacking rivals for what they describe as weak opposition to President Donald Trump’s war, as well as for ties to defense contractors and pro-Israel political groups.

For progressives, the US-Israeli campaign against Iran has revived longstanding arguments about ending American involvement in foreign wars and reducing the influence of the defense industry in politics. Candidates have leaned heavily on the issue in campaign ads, speeches and fundraising, arguing that opposition to the war must be matched by refusing related political donations.

In Michigan, Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed said it is difficult to trust politicians who accept funding from weapons manufacturers or pro-Israel groups while claiming to oppose the war. Similar arguments have surfaced in House and Senate primaries elsewhere, where challengers are highlighting their opponents’ past votes on defense spending and outside support.

Moderate Democrats have pushed back, arguing that they have clearly opposed the war and accusing progressives of exaggerating divisions for political gain. Many incumbents point to recent votes aimed at limiting Trump’s authority to wage war abroad, even as they defend past support for defense budgets.

The dispute reflects a broader internal struggle over the party’s direction following its 2024 losses, including whether to prioritize appealing to swing voters or energizing the progressive base. While most Democratic voters oppose the war, party strategists warn that public infighting could undermine efforts to capitalize on Republican vulnerabilities heading into the midterms.

In North Carolina, a closely contested primary highlighted these tensions, with a progressive challenger attacking an incumbent over donations linked to defense contractors and past support from pro-Israel groups. Although the incumbent narrowly won, the race underscored how the Iran war is becoming a central issue in Democratic campaigns.

Similar dynamics are playing out in Colorado, where a progressive Senate candidate has criticized an incumbent for supporting increased defense spending while opposing the war rhetorically. Other challengers have accused longtime lawmakers of hypocrisy for voting against efforts to cut Pentagon funding in previous years.

Party strategists say these clashes are likely a preview of a larger fight over the Democratic Party’s future, particularly as attention begins to shift toward the 2028 presidential race. Centrist voices warn that nominating candidates too closely aligned with progressive positions could hurt the party’s ability to win national elections, while progressive groups argue that voters are demanding a stronger break from traditional party leadership and corporate influence.

With the war ongoing and largely unpopular among Democratic voters, the issue is emerging as a key test of the party’s identity, messaging and electoral strategy heading into November.