Story perspectives

Abdul El-Sayed Wins Michigan Senate Primary Amid AIPAC Spending

8/12/2026

Summary

Story summary

Abdul El-Sayed (Democratic candidate) won the Michigan Democratic Senate primary, beating Haley Stevens (Democratic candidate), who spent $30 million from AIPAC.
AIPAC’s 2026 spending rose to $67 million, up from $29 million, and funded 109 ads, only six of which mentioned Israel.
AIPAC warned it will work to stop El-Sayed’s win.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris endorsed Abdul El-Sayed for the November election.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez called AIPAC undemocratic.

History

Historical Context

Founded in 1954, AIPAC shifted from using allied PACs to creating its own political action committee in late 2021, enabling direct campaign spending. After spending $24 million through the UDP PAC in the 2022 Democratic primaries, the group poured $67 million into Abdul El-Sayed’s 2026 Senate primary, echoing decades-long tactics of backing favored candidates and pressuring opponents.

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Story summary

Abdul El-Sayed (Democratic candidate) won the Michigan Democratic Senate primary, beating Haley Stevens (Democratic candidate), who spent $30 million from AIPAC.
AIPAC’s 2026 spending rose to $67 million, up from $29 million, and funded 109 ads, only six of which mentioned Israel.
AIPAC warned it will work to stop El-Sayed’s win.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris endorsed Abdul El-Sayed for the November election.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez called AIPAC undemocratic.

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