During an interview on CNN’s “State of the Union” on Sunday, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer discussed the upcoming Michigan Democratic primary and the possibility of some Democratic voters casting “uncommitted” protest votes against President Biden over his policies on Israel and Palestine.

Host Dana Bash noted that respected Michigan leaders like Rep. Rashida Tlaib are encouraging voters to cast uncommitted votes on Tuesday to send a message of protest against Biden’s policies. Bash asked Whitmer how worried she was about the number of uncommitted votes in the primary.

Whitmer responded that Michigan is home to both robust Arab-American/Palestinian and Jewish communities that have lived in harmony for decades, though there is pain in both communities currently over the situation in the Middle East.

While acknowledging there are differences of opinion within the Democratic party in Michigan, Whitmer emphasized the importance of not losing sight of the risks of a potential second term for former President Trump, which she argued would be devastating for rights, democracy and foreign policy.

Whitmer said she is encouraging Michigan Democrats to cast an affirmative vote for President Biden in the primary. She said she understands people’s pain on this issue but will keep working to build bridges with all communities in Michigan, which she noted are important to both her and President Biden.

Whitmer did not directly forecast how many uncommitted votes there may be in the primary but expressed a desire for voters to back Biden despite policy differences. Her comments highlighted tensions within the Democratic party over Biden’s stances on Israel and Palestine.