Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced she will not attend the state’s Democratic Party nominating convention next month, citing concerns for her safety amid escalating harassment she attributes to rising antisemitism within the party.
Nessel, the first Jewish person elected to the role, stated in a roundtable with Jewish leaders that she fears she would face verbal harassment, booing, or physical confrontation if she attended. "I feel like my presence isn’t going to be welcome," she said, according to the Michigan Advance. "I don’t want to get chased around. I don’t want to get harassed. I don’t want to get yelled and screamed at."
Key Details of the Decision
Nessel’s decision follows reports of harassment she alleges has occurred at party events, including incidents where she was targeted by members. She criticized party leadership for what she described as neglecting her concerns about antisemitism within the Democratic Party. "Some things have changed," she said, though she did not elaborate further.
The Michigan Democratic Jewish Caucus, led by chair Jessica Alexander, expressed support for Nessel’s choice. Alexander, a professor at Eastern Michigan University, acknowledged a rise in anti-Jewish sentiment among dissenters but emphasized that she does not believe the party itself is antisemitic. "The anti-AIPAC rhetoric circulating in some campaigns acts as a dog whistle for classic anti-Jewish tropes," she stated, citing examples such as claims that "Jews hold the power" or that they are responsible for economic issues.
Context and Broader Tensions
The announcement comes amid heightened debates over antisemitism and free speech within the Democratic Party, particularly regarding criticism of Israel. Alexander noted that while she plans to attend the convention, she expects a large turnout for her caucus and does not anticipate the same level of scrutiny as an elected official like Nessel.
Nessel’s decision reflects broader concerns about political polarization and the treatment of Jewish officials in partisan spaces. Her refusal to attend the convention underscores the divisions within the party over how to address allegations of antisemitism while balancing internal dissent.
The Michigan Democratic Party has not publicly responded to Nessel’s concerns or her decision to skip the event.