Joe Biden Wins Michigan Primary Despite Sizeable Gaza Protest Vote2 min read

President Joe Biden is projected to win Michigan’s Democratic presidential primary comfortably, despite a significant protest vote over strong US support for Israel in the war in Gaza.

Mr Biden won 80% of the vote, according to projections, but the “uncommitted” exceeded expectations with 13%.

His campaign will pay close attention to see if that result in the key swing state will spread nationwide.

Many voters have been angered by the US stance in the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Activists from the group Listen to Michigan hailed the size of the “uncommitted” vote – more than 100,000 – as a victory. People were in tears at the organisation’s watch party as tallies were periodically updated.

Congressman Andy Levin, who supports the “uncommitted” vote, told the crowd: “I take no joy in being here tonight. This moment is a child of necessity because people are dying by the thousands.”

The US is a close ally of Israel, providing it with billions of dollars in military aid.

Earlier this month the US vetoed a UN resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, while proposing a draft of its own, urging a temporary ceasefire.

Many people, including in Mr Biden’s own party, want the president to take a much stronger stance against Israel’s military campaign.

On the eve of the Michigan vote, Mr Biden said he hoped there would be a pause in fighting in Gaza by Monday – a statement that was not echoed by either Israel or Hamas.

Mr Trump is also projected to easily win Tuesday’s Republican primary in the state, after what he called a “great day”.