Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced that she will not attend the Michigan Democratic Party’s nominating convention next month, citing safety concerns. During a recent roundtable with Jewish leaders, Nessel expressed that she feels her presence would not be welcomed, stating, "I don’t want to get chased around. I don’t want to get harassed... I believe that if I go, that is what will happen because it’s been happening to me."
Nessel, who is the first Jewish person elected as Michigan's attorney general, indicated that her concerns about rising antisemitism within the Democratic Party have been ignored by party leadership. Jessica Alexander, chair of the Michigan Democratic Jewish Caucus, supported Nessel's decision and acknowledged a rise in anti-Jewish sentiments among dissenters, although she does not believe the Democratic Party itself is antisemitic.
Alexander noted that anti-AIPAC rhetoric in current campaigns could be interpreted as perpetuating classic antisemitic tropes. She plans to attend the convention, expecting a significant turnout for her caucus. Nessel remarked that the environment should allow for "intelligent discourse and debate" without threats.
A spokesperson for the Michigan Democratic Party stated that the party rejects all forms of hateful conduct and is committed to ensuring a safe environment at the convention. Nessel has previously reported being targeted by a heavily armed individual allegedly planning attacks against Jewish officials. Concerns about antisemitism within the party have been echoed by other Michigan Democrats, including former Senate candidate Mallory McMorrow, who shared her own experiences with antisemitic incidents.