Two Democratic Frontrunners — One Tied to Al-Qaeda, One Can’t Say Israel Should Exist

Today's lead: Two leading Democratic primary candidates — one running for Congress in New Jersey, one running for Senate in Michigan — have been exposed this morning for ties to Al-Qaeda-linked organizations and publicly questioning Israel's right to exist. This is the party's 2026 problem in sharp relief. Also tracking the Mamdani front: the first Jewish protest march to his Gracie Mansion, and Rome Pride's expulsion of Jewish LGBTQ groups who won't declare 'genocide.' In the wire: Texas antisemite Galindo loses but takes 40% of the vote, New York's buffer zone bill passes weaker than expected, and Qatar's $65M influence campaign inside U.S. education gets a new paper trail.