A prominent pro-Israel advocacy group, AIPAC, announced Wednesday it will oppose Abdul El-Sayed’s Senate campaign in November following his narrow victory in Michigan's Democratic primary. El-Sayed, a progressive candidate whose platform includes criticism of Israel, secured the nomination for the seat vacated by retiring Senator Gary Peters.
The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) stated its commitment to opposing what it termed El-Sayed's "radical anti-Israel agenda." The group indicated that millions of American citizens will work through AIPAC to support pro-Israel candidates and defeat those critical of Israel leading up to and beyond the November elections. AIPAC also celebrated the victories of 30 other pro-Israel candidates in recent primary contests.
El-Sayed, a physician and public health professional, defeated incumbent Representative Haley Stevens with 48.5% of the vote. Stevens had been endorsed by AIPAC, which reportedly spent approximately $30 million supporting her campaign. El-Sayed, whose parents are from Egypt, could become the first Muslim American elected to the U.S. Senate if he wins the general election against former Republican Representative Mike Rogers.
Criticism of Israel's policies, including its military actions in Gaza and its occupation of the West Bank, has been a central theme of El-Sayed’s campaign. He has described Israel as an apartheid state and alleged that its military campaign in Gaza constitutes genocide, allegations Israel rejects. El-Sayed also advocates for redirecting U.S. military aid away from Israel and other nations while supporting aid to Ukraine. During a primary debate, he stated that U.S. foreign policy had been unduly influenced by Israel and AIPAC.
El-Sayed's campaign has drawn scrutiny over his past remarks and associations. Rabbi Jen Lader criticized El-Sayed's response to an attack on a suburban Detroit synagogue, suggesting his comments could be interpreted as justifying violence. Separately, Republican challenger Mike Rogers has intensified his campaign against El-Sayed, labeling him an "extremist" and highlighting his past association with controversial streamer Hasan Piker, who made remarks critical of the 9/11 attacks. El-Sayed has previously declined to disavow Piker's views, citing a desire to avoid "gotcha games."
Despite some controversy, El-Sayed has garnered endorsements from prominent Michigan Democrats, including Senator Elissa Slotkin, following his primary victory. El-Sayed's success reflects a broader trend of progressive candidates critical of Israel achieving significant Democratic primary wins this cycle. Polling data indicates a sharp increase in negative views of Israel among Democrats, with an April Pew Research Center survey showing 80% of Democrats holding an unfavorable view of Israel, compared to 53% in 2022.
