Michigan Senate Candidate Mike Rogers Seeks AIPAC to Stand Down

Republican former congressman Mike Rogers asked the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) not to run advertisements on his behalf in the November 2026 Michigan Senate race. Rogers met with AIPAC chair Michael Tuchin in Los Angeles last week; the next day AIPAC withdrew a video ad that targeted his Democratic opponent, Abdul El-Sayed. Sources told Axios that Rogers’ campaign views AIPAC’s involvement as a liability among disaffected Jewish voters and the broader electorate. AIPAC officials said the group had already spent more than $30 million to defeat El-Sayed in the Democratic primary and was prepared to spend additional millions in the general election.

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AIPAC’s United Democracy Project super-PAC poured roughly $32 million into the Democratic primary to block El-Sayed, who framed Israel’s Gaza campaign as “genocide.” The effort failed; El-Sayed narrowly beat Rep. Haley Stevens 48.5% to 47.5% on Aug. 4, according to the Associated Press. Historically bipartisan, AIPAC’s standing has eroded since the Oct. 2023 Gaza war, and many candidates have distanced themselves from the lobby.

Mike Rogers asks AIPAC to stay out of Michigan Senate race

• United Democracy Project spending in the primary: about $32 million (Axios).

Times of Israel

• Total AIPAC-related outlays to defeat El-Sayed in the primary: over $30 million (multiple reports).

Mike Rogers asks AIPAC to stay out of Michigan Senate race

• OpenSecrets ranking for AIPAC (2025): 18th in contributions, 21st in outside spending, 191st in lobbying.

Times of Israel

• Fox News poll of Michigan voters: 44% favor continued military aid to Israel, 55% oppose it.

The Hill

• “It is absurd that they spend tens of millions of dollars to try to determine who the Democratic nominee is and, if they fail, then proceed to support the Republican candidate in the general election,” — Sanders.

Times of Israel

• “We appreciate [former] Rep. Mike Rogers’ welcoming of pro-Israel support. Our members are highly motivated to be involved in this race, and we will be looking at every option to make the case that El-Sayed’s policies are bad for Michigan and bad for America.” — Deryn Sousa, AIPAC spokesperson.

Pro-Israeli US lawmaker asks AIPAC to stay away from his campaign: Report

• Early August 2026 – Rogers meets with AIPAC chair Michael Tuchin in Los Angeles.

Times of Israel

• Following day – AIPAC pulls a pre-produced video ad targeting Abdul El-Sayed.

Times of Israel

• Aug. 4 – El-Sayed defeats Haley Stevens in the Democratic primary, 48.5% to 47.5% (Associated Press).

Mike Rogers asks AIPAC to stay out of Michigan Senate race

• Mid-August 2026 – Rogers launches a “Democrats for Mike Rogers” coalition and reiterates his request that AIPAC stay out of the general-election campaign.

The Hill

Sources differ on the exact amount AIPAC spent to oppose El-Sayed: some cite “over $30 million,” others “about $32 million.” Both figures appear in reputable reporting, but the precise total has not been independently verified. AIPAC’s spokesperson asserts continued enthusiasm for supporting Rogers, yet the extent of any future financial commitment remains unclear.

Times of Israel