The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) has invested close to $30 million in Michigan's Democratic Senate primary, backing U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens in what represents the largest expenditure by the organization in a single race. This record spending marks a significant test of AIPAC's influence as it seeks to defeat progressive candidate Abdul El-Sayed.
Stevens, a four-term congresswoman, has largely focused her public remarks on issues like manufacturing and her opposition to former President Donald Trump, while speaking sparingly about AIPAC's involvement in her campaign. When asked about the group's support, Stevens stated that anyone backing her is doing so because of her dedication to the people of Michigan and her past actions. She has also voiced support for "comprehensive campaign finance reform."
The significant outside spending has reshaped the race, with AIPAC's affiliated groups pouring millions into advertising that often highlights Stevens' work on manufacturing and features former President Barack Obama, without mentioning Israel or the group directly. This strategy has drawn criticism from El-Sayed and his allies, including Senators Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who are campaigning with him. They frame the election as a contest between grassroots organizing and unprecedented outside financial influence, with El-Sayed accusing Stevens of being beholden to large donors.
El-Sayed, the son of Egyptian immigrants, has made AIPAC's spending a central theme of his campaign. He has taken a critical stance on Israel's military actions in Gaza, describing the campaign as a "genocide" and the Israeli government as "evil." He argues that AIPAC's influence distorts Democratic politics and contributes to the continuation of the war. The conflict in Gaza began following Hamas' attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023. Gaza's Health Ministry reports over 73,000 Palestinians killed in the subsequent Israeli offensive.
Stevens, while not Jewish, has historically been a strong supporter of Israel, describing herself as a "proud pro-Israel Democrat." However, she has also criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stating he has not enhanced security or peace and has endangered Jewish communities globally. Her campaign has noted that it is raising necessary resources to win, despite raising less than El-Sayed in the most recent fundraising period until June 30. Outside organizations have reportedly spent close to $50 million to support her candidacy, including approximately $12 million from a group called A Stronger Michigan, which has not disclosed its donors.
The race unfolds against a backdrop of deepening divisions within the Democratic Party regarding U.S. policy toward Israel, particularly following the war in Gaza. This tension was evident when 103 House Democrats voted to block $3.3 billion in U.S. aid to Israel, a move that prompted some lawmakers, like Rep. Pat Ryan, to publicly distance themselves from groups like AIPAC and return donations. In Michigan's previous Senate race, Sen. Elissa Slotkin, who is Jewish, also navigated pressure from activists and had previously distanced herself from AIPAC before narrowly defeating Republican Mike Rogers.
El-Sayed's campaign has emphasized grassroots organizing, reporting over 10,000 volunteers statewide, in contrast to Stevens' campaign, which reported "hundreds across Michigan." El-Sayed, who would be the first Muslim U.S. senator if elected, has addressed concerns about his electability, attributing such questions to his faith and name, and emphasizing that his choices reflect his values.
While the Israel-Gaza conflict has become a significant issue for some Democratic voters, political strategists suggest that concerns such as the economy may hold greater sway for the majority of primary voters in determining the election outcome.