JULY 11, 2026
Michigan Democratic Senate candidates clash over AIPAC spending and U.S.-Israel policy ahead of August primary
Democratic Senate candidates Abdul El-Sayed and Rep. Haley Stevens debated Tuesday night in Michigan's August 4 primary, with Israel policy and AIPAC spending as central flashpoints. El-Sayed described AIPAC donations as "legalized bribery" after the group's super PAC announced plans to spend at least $3.8 million against him. Stevens defended U.S. support for Israel and positioned herself as a results-oriented moderate capable of winning a general election against Republican Mike Rogers.
The Michigan Democratic Senate primary has narrowed to a two-candidate race following state Sen. Mallory McMorrow's exit on Sunday, leaving El-Sayed, a former public health official, facing off against Stevens, a three-term congresswoman. The Democratic nominee will face former Republican Rep. Mike Rogers in November, a race Democrats consider critical to their path to a Senate majority.
At Tuesday's debate, El-Sayed said U.S. 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 responded that Israel "has a right to peacefully exist alongside the people of Palestine and Gaza" and argued El-Sayed's positions would cost Democrats the seat. El-Sayed told the debate audience: "If you want your politics dictated to you by AIPAC or Chuck Schumer, then I'm not your guy."
Beyond the debate stage, El-Sayed posted to X that AIPAC planned to spend at least $3,847,990 against him, calling it "legalized bribery at its worst." Stevens, who has received backing from Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and carries endorsements from figures including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, has characterized the Republican Senate campaign committee's promotion of El-Sayed as evidence that GOP operatives prefer to face him in November. El-Sayed countered that AIPAC spending "comes with strings" and said he plans to "let them burn $50 million of their dollars and still beat their candidate."