Full Breakdown
AIPAC-Linked Super PAC Fuels $9 Million Ad Push for Haley Stevens in Michigan Senate Primary
6/10/2026, 9:43:40 PM
AIPAC-Linked Super PAC Backs Stevens in the Democratic Primary
The United Democracy Project (UDP), a super-PAC created by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), reserved $2.33 million in television airtime across Detroit, Flint, Grand Rapids and Traverse City to promote U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens in Michigan’s June-August Democratic Senate primary. The ads, running through June 15, spotlight Stevens’ work on former President Barack Obama’s auto-industry rescue task force, insulin-price caps and opposition to Medicare cuts. This is UDP’s first disclosed spending in a Michigan Senate race for the 2026 cycle.
Historical Context and Open Seat
Senator Gary Peters announced his retirement, turning the seat into one of the nation’s most competitive contests. Stevens, a moderate who has previously received AIPAC support, faces state Sen. Mallory McMorrow and former public-health official Abdul El-Sayed, both of whom have criticized Israel-related aid. AIPAC previously spent more than $4 million for Stevens in her 2022 House primary.
Main Players and Supporting Groups
- Haley Stevens – U.S. Representative, only Democratic candidate in the race who supports continued U.S. weapons sales to Israel.
- Mallory McMorrow – State Senator from Royal Oak, vocal critic of Israel aid.
- Abdul El-Sayed – Former health official, calls for an end to all foreign U.S. military assistance.
- United Democracy Project – AIPAC-originated super-PAC with $96 million on hand at the start of 2026.
- Center for Democratic Priorities – Dark-money group estimated to have spent $5.7 million on ads referencing ICE.
- Center Forward Committee – 501(c)(4) organization spending at least $1.34 million on two ICE-focused ads.
- A Stronger Michigan – Near-$1 million spender, registered to the same address as Center Forward Committee.
- Fight For Michigan – Approximately $718 000 in ad reservations.
- Andy Levin – Former Rep. who noted prior AIPAC spending and later described a “largely Republican-funded campaign” after his 2022 primary loss.
Money Flow and Advertising Scale
- UDP: $2.21 million TV in four Michigan markets, $87 000 on CNN/MNOW, $37 000 satellite.
- Cumulative broadcast spend for Stevens-supporting groups: $8.85 million (excluding digital).
- Additional $10 million earmarked for Stevens by other outside groups, per AdImpact.
- Center for Democratic Priorities: $5.7 million; Center Forward Committee: $1.34 million; A Stronger Michigan: $0.99 million; Fight For Michigan: $0.718 million.
Official Statements and Campaign Responses
Stevens defended her record, emphasizing votes to curb U.S. military operations alongside Israel in Iran and criticizing “going along with Donald Trump’s war.” El-Sayed framed UDP’s spending as an attempt to “buy the race” for a candidate aligned with AIPAC. Levin, reflecting on his 2022 defeat, described the effort as a “largely Republican-funded campaign set on defeating the movement I represent.” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer reportedly urged donors to back Stevens as the strongest general-election contender.
Opposition Critique
El-Sayed and McMorrow highlighted that they have never accepted AIPAC money and warned that the super-PAC’s focus on foreign policy could divert resources from Michigan health care, education and infrastructure. They also questioned the transparency of “dark-money” groups supporting Stevens.
On-the-Ground Reporting
The television spot contains no reference to Israel; it instead showcases a clip of Obama praising Stevens and lists her achievements on auto-industry rescue, insulin pricing and opposition to Medicare cuts. Local observers note the ad’s emphasis on state-level benefits rather than foreign policy.
Conflicting Data and Transparency Gaps
While broadcast reservations total $8.85 million, digital ad expenditures remain undisclosed. The sponsors of Center for Democratic Priorities and Center Forward Committee are not publicly identified, creating uncertainty about the full source of funding behind Stevens-supportive messaging.
Verbatim Quotes
- “A super PAC focused on sending our taxpayer dollars abroad is coming in to try and buy the race for a candidate who is going to do their bidding,” — Abdul El-Sayed, former public-health official.
- “If you want your money spent on your health care in Michigan, your schools in Michigan, your roads and bridges in Michigan, then it'd be worth rethinking whether or not you're going to pay attention to what 'United Democratic Project'/AIPAC thinks you should do.” — Abdul El-Sayed.
- “That is wrong, and these Michiganders are paying for it. It is unacceptable,” — Haley Stevens, U.S. Representative.
- “I had no answer for that,” — Andy Levin, former U.S. Representative.
- “largely Republican-funded campaign set on defeating the movement I represent, no matter where I ran.” — Andy Levin.
Outlook for August Primary and General Election
The Democratic primary is scheduled for Aug 4. The winner will face Republican Rep. Mike Rogers, who is unopposed in his primary, in the Nov 5 general election. National Republican strategists have identified the seat as a top pick-up target, suggesting intensified fundraising and advertising on both sides in the weeks ahead.
