The author of the Democratic National Committee's 2024 election autopsy confirmed that the war in Gaza negatively impacted Kamala Harris's political standing. He had privately conveyed this assessment to a pro-Palestinian organization. This finding was part of his late-year analysis but was not submitted to party leadership. For months, Democrats have debated the war's electoral significance, with moderates downplaying it and progressives asserting it alienated key voter blocs. Paul Rivera, the autopsy's author, stated that the Gaza war cost Harris votes, particularly in Michigan's Arab American communities. His independent 564-page report specifically examines this electoral impact. Rivera contends these losses contributed to Michigan's shift towards Donald Trump, though it was not the sole factor. He concluded that while the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is complex, its electoral results in Michigan and elsewhere clearly show its impact on the Harris campaign. Rivera's report included literature from Michigan reflecting voter dissatisfaction with both candidates due to the conflict. He also acknowledged the rise of antisemitism affecting Jewish Americans, while praising DNC Chair Ken Martin for forming a Middle East working group. Conversely, many moderate Democrats believe the war's effect on the election has been exaggerated. Rivera has also faced criticism for the overall autopsy, with disputes arising over whether he submitted certain chapters to the DNC.