The bar, which is next door to the Kent County Democratic Party headquarters, previously hosted an LGBTQ watch party for the World Cup.
A Grand Rapids, Michigan, bar, Pux Cider Taphouse, has apologized on Instagram for hosting Michigan Senate hopeful and Democrat Haley Stevens at its establishment.
“When Pux was approached to book this event, we were only told it would be a private women's Dem event,” the message read. “Pux was never advised that Haley Stevens would be connected with this event. We are heartbroken as we pride ourselves on being not only a queer-friendly space but also have advocated and continue to call for a free Palestine. We DO NOT endorse Haley Stevens. Our promise to our community is that, in the future, we will be more vigilant in requesting specific details for private events. We apologize most sincerely and will be donating tonight's proceeds to the Grand Rapids Pride Center.”
https://twitter.com/PeterMeijer/status/2084636635241537799?s=20
The bar, which is next door to the Kent County Democratic Party headquarters, previously hosted an LGBTQ watch party for the World Cup, as reported by WoodTV 8.
Stevens, who is seeking the Democratic nomination for Michigan's open Senate seat, has faced criticism from progressive activists over her positions on the Israel-Hamas war. While she has voiced support for aid to Palestinians, she has repeatedly affirmed Israel's right to defend itself, putting her at direct odds with the far-left wing of her party.
"I agree that we must have a plan for rebuilding Gaza under renewed Palestinian control that doesn't allow terror to foment or Hamas to govern and doesn't threaten Israel and innocent Palestinian civilians," Stevens said in July 2024 on her X account.
https://twitter.com/RepHaleyStevens/status/1816239278365585834
The backlash highlights the ongoing divide within the Democratic Party over the Israel-Hamas conflict, particularly in Michigan, which is home to one of the nation's largest Arab American populations. Her primary opponent, Abdul El-Sayed, has sought to draw a contrast with Stevens on Israel and the ongoing conflict in Gaza, calling for a ceasefire and for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to be held accountable under international law. The two candidates will face voters in Tuesday's primary election, a contest that could help shape the future direction of the Democratic Party in Michigan.
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