Significant defections have been recorded as US President Joe Biden won the Democratic primary in Michigan on Tuesday. US media reported that Biden lost votes from some who are angry over his support to the Israeli genocide in Gaza.

Progressive activists and Arab-American leaders had urged Michigan Democrats to vote “uncommitted” rather than support Biden, in a warning sign for his expected re-election bid against Donald Trump in a crucial swing state.

The dissent within his own party in Michigan has emerged as one of the biggest political challenges for Biden’s campaign in recent weeks, raising fears among some Democrats that he will struggle to unite their center-left coalition around his candidacy in November.

The backlash over Gaza has also thrust foreign policy into the heart of the race for the White House, along with other top issues such as immigration, the economy, the future of US democracy, and the character of the candidates.

At 6am Eastern time on Wednesday, with 98 per cent of Democratic votes counted across Michigan, Biden had won 81.1 per cent, while 13.3 per cent had picked “uncommitted”. Long-shot candidates Dean Phillips and Marianne Williamson had 2.7 per cent and 3 per cent respectively.

In a statement late on Tuesday after the vote, Biden did not mention the war in Gaza, but pointed to his economic policies and efforts to protect reproductive rights. “This fight for our freedoms, for working families, and for Democracy is going to take all of us coming together. I know that we will,” he said.

After more than 100,000 voters in Michigan cast votes for “uncommitted” in Tuesday’s Democratic primary, Arab American pollster and activist James Zogby (@jjz1600) says the push for a Gaza ceasefire will only keep growing. “President Biden, you ignore this vote at your risk.” pic.twitter.com/U3c1mBVbjq

— Democracy Now! (@democracynow) February 28, 2024

Source: US media