University of Michigan Board of Regents Democratic candidates: Denise Illitch (R), Huwaida Arraf (C) and Shauna Ryder Diggs (L) | Courtesy photos
As the Michigan Democratic Party (MDP) gets set to hold its convention this weekend in Lansing, trying to build on the unity coming out of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, one candidate is drawing attention for her stance on an issue that remains divisive within the Democratic coalition: the ongoing war being waged by Israel against Hamas in Gaza.
Members of the “Uncommitted” movement wanted a Palestinian-American speaker at the DNC after protests outside the convention hall did not draw large crowds, as expected, but that didn’t happen. However, several Democrats, including U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Vice President Kamala Harris, all called for a ceasefire and the return of hostages.
Huwaida Arraf is one of three candidates running for two Democratic nominations for University of Michigan regent. Arraf is a Palestinian-American civil rights attorney who is a longtime, prominent leader of the pro-Palestinian movement.