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

Abdul El-Sayed, a Democratic candidate with pronounced anti-Israel views, won the Michigan Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate on August 5, 2026, narrowly defeating his opponent Hailey Stevens by less than 2%. El-Sayed, the son of Egyptian immigrants, refuses to recognize Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state and has drawn comparisons between Israel and Hamas. Despite AIPAC's extensive investment of $32 million to support Stevens, a staunch pro-Israel candidate, El-Sayed prevailed in the primary.

Following El-Sayed's victory, the pro-Israel lobbying group AIPAC announced plans to intensify its efforts in the upcoming general election. According to The New York Times, AIPAC is considering launching a large-scale funding campaign, potentially amounting to tens of millions of dollars, to support Republican candidate Mike Rogers in Michigan. This move marks a shift for AIPAC, which traditionally avoids deep involvement in tight races between Democrats and Republicans.

AIPAC spokeswoman Daryn Sousa stated, "Our allies are determined to ensure voters reject Dr. El-Sayed and his extreme anti-Israel agenda in November." The organization reportedly had approximately $80 million available as of June 2026. Sam Markstein, political director of the Republican Jewish Coalition, which shares donors with AIPAC, emphasized their commitment to countering El-Sayed's campaign, saying, "The days of being told to be quiet and nice are over. We will double down and do whatever it takes to win."

Mike Rogers has consistently positioned himself as a strong supporter of Israel, contrasting sharply with El-Sayed's stance. The recent victories of anti-Israel candidates in Democratic primaries across New York, California, and Illinois suggest the next U.S. Congress may hold the most hostile attitudes toward Israel since the country's founding. AIPAC's intensified involvement in Michigan's general election reflects growing concern among pro-Israel groups about this trend.