Michigan Republican Candidate Drops AIPAC Support Amid Electoral Concerns

In Michigan, Republican candidate Mike Rogers has distanced himself from AIPAC, the influential pro-Israel lobbying group in the United States, despite their willingness to invest millions in his campaign. This move highlights the declining political influence of AIPAC among certain voter groups following the conflict in Gaza. Rogers, a long-time supporter of Israel, fears that overt backing from AIPAC could alienate voters in the upcoming general elections this fall.

Sources familiar with the discussions told Axios that Rogers' request to downplay AIPAC's role angered senior members of the lobby. AIPAC has already spent over $30 million to defeat Democratic primary opponent Shri Thanedar, who has sharply criticized Israel, labeling it a "rogue state," accusing it of genocide and apartheid, and refusing to acknowledge its right to exist as a Jewish state. Thanedar's anti-Israel stance has made defeating him a top strategic priority for AIPAC.

Rogers and his team proposed compromises such as directing AIPAC donors to a joint fundraising group without AIPAC branding or having AIPAC strategists work behind the scenes. However, AIPAC insisted on a prominent public role, arguing that Thanedar would link Rogers to AIPAC regardless. Direct talks between the two sides have now broken down, with Jewish Republican donors attempting to mediate. Some Republicans worry AIPAC, with nearly $60 million in its coffers, might sit out the Michigan race, though many believe the organization has too much at stake to withdraw.

In response, Rogers expressed appreciation for pro-Israel community support, while an AIPAC spokesperson affirmed their strong motivation to remain involved and to highlight the negative impact of Thanedar's policies on Michigan and America.