Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel Boycotts Democratic Convention

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced she will not attend the Michigan Democratic Party's nominating convention on August 29. Nessel, the first Jewish person elected to her office, cited fears of harassment and safety risks, stating she expects to be booed and yelled at if she attends the event.

Nessel told Jewish community leaders that party leadership has neglected her previous reports regarding harassment and a general increase in antisemitism within the party. Other party figures, including former U.S. Senate candidate Mallory McMorrow, supported these concerns; McMorrow described an incident at a previous Democratic convention where an attendee shouted an antisemitic slur at her husband in the presence of their daughter.

Jessica Alexander, chair of the Michigan Democratic Jewish Caucus, expressed respect for Nessel's decision. Alexander noted that while she does not believe the party itself is antisemitic, anti-AIPAC rhetoric in current campaigns often serves as a "dog whistle" for classic anti-Jewish tropes. The Michigan Democratic Party issued a statement rejecting all hateful conduct and asserting that it is working to ensure a safe environment for all convention attendees.