Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed has characterized spending by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) against his campaign as "legalized bribery." El-Sayed's comments come as he faces Rep. Haley Stevens, D-Mich., in a primary contest where support for Israel has become a central theme.
El-Sayed stated on social media that AIPAC is projected to spend over $3.8 million against him, suggesting Stevens is "more committed to the future of a foreign country than keeping your tax dollars here to provide schools and healthcare for you and your kids." He further asserted that "for too long our foreign policy has been handed to us by the likes of the state of Israel and AIPAC, who has made sure that both Democrats and Republicans are doing their bidding."
Stevens, who has received support from establishment figures including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., has criticized El-Sayed for questioning the U.S.-Israel alliance. She stated during a debate that "Israel has a right to peacefully exist alongside the people of Palestine and Gaza."
The debate over foreign influence and donations has extended to other groups. Investigative reporter Chuck Ross questioned on social media whether El-Sayed's criticisms would also apply to pro-Palestine groups like PAL PAC and Arab American PAC. El-Sayed's campaign did not immediately respond to requests for comment on this matter.
Michigan's significant Jewish and Arab American communities make the state's engagement with issues related to Israel particularly sensitive, according to Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Mich.
El-Sayed has also faced scrutiny regarding his own financial disclosures. While he acknowledged that his family's foreign assets complicated his tax filings, delaying their release, his candidate report disclosures from June 2025 listed assets totaling between $580,000 and $1.7 million, including a salary from Wayne County. His wife reported holding up to $15,000 in real estate in India.