In the Democratic primary race for the US Senate in Michigan, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) has emerged as a central player, spending over $30 million to oppose progressive candidate Abdul El-Sayed.

At a campaign rally in Dearborn, Michigan, El-Sayed criticized the influence of AIPAC, stating, “Just last week, our friend here voted to send $3.3 billion of your tax dollars to a foreign government. That is the pro quo that comes with the quid of $30 million spent by AIPAC.” Michigan state legislator Alabas Farhat also pledged that voters would make the pro-Israel group “burn” millions of dollars by electing El-Sayed to the US Senate.

A dark-money group, the Center for Democratic Priorities, has reportedly spent about $6.5 million on ads supporting Haley Stevens, raising the total spending in the race to more than $60 million. Federal Election Commission records indicate that Michigan Forward 2026, another group involved, is funded by businessman Daniel Lubetzky, the American Chemistry Council—a trade association for the chemical industry—and the American Foundation for Good Governance.

AIPAC defended its involvement, stating in a recent email to supporters that as "proud, pro-Israel Americans," they will not apologize for participating in the political process and standing up to those who undermine their shared values. The group described the Michigan Senate race as "critical."

El-Sayed’s rise in Michigan, a diverse state with over 10 million residents that voted for Donald Trump in both 2016 and 2024, is seen by analysts as potentially transformative for the Democratic Party’s stance on Israel. While many progressives have won seats in the House of Representatives in heavily Democratic districts, El-Sayed’s campaign could signal a significant shift in the party’s approach to the issue.

Sources