AIPAC Plans Multi-Million Dollar Campaign to Defeat Anti-Israel Candidate Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan Senate Race

Abdul El-Sayed, known for his strong anti-Israel positions and refusal to recognize Israel as a Jewish state, won the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate seat in Michigan, defeating pro-Israel candidate Haley Stevens by less than 2%. Despite AIPAC's investment of $32 million in the primary to support Stevens, El-Sayed prevailed. The pro-Israel lobby group AIPAC is now preparing to launch an extensive funding campaign to back Republican candidate Mike Rogers in the general election to prevent El-Sayed from entering Congress.

According to reports from The New York Times, AIPAC, which had about $80 million in its coffers as of June, is considering investing tens of millions of dollars in the Michigan general election race. This marks a shift for AIPAC, which typically avoids heavy involvement in tight races between Democrats and Republicans. The organization’s spokesperson, Daryn Sousa, stated, "Our friends are determined to ensure voters reject Dr. El-Sayed and his extreme anti-Israel agenda in November."

Mike Rogers, the Republican candidate, consistently presents himself as a staunch supporter of Israel. In contrast, El-Sayed is viewed as one of the most vocally anti-Israel figures within the Democratic Party. Following the victories of other anti-Israel candidates in Democratic primaries in New York, California, and Illinois, the upcoming Congress is expected to have the most hostile stance toward Israel since the country's founding.

Sam Markstein, political director of the Republican Jewish Coalition, which shares donors with AIPAC, emphasized their resolve: "The days of being told to stay quiet and be nice are over. We will double down and do whatever it takes to win." This development highlights the intensifying battle over Israel-related issues in U.S. electoral politics ahead of the midterm elections.