Pro-Israel super PAC returns to Michigan Senate contest with anti-El-Sayed mailers
A political action committee connected to AIPAC has re-entered Michigan’s Senate contest, a new campaign finance report shows. United Democracy Project disclosed $95,000 in spending on mail pieces that criticize Democrat Abdul El-Sayed, with the effort aimed at about 130,000 Jewish voters. The group had already invested millions in the Democratic primary against El-Sayed, who is now competing with Republican Mike Rogers.
AIPAC-linked United Democracy Project’s new FEC filing shows $95,000 for mail pieces criticizing Abdul El-Sayed. A spokesperson said the pieces are aimed at roughly 130,000 Jewish voters. One mailer references a March attack on a Michigan synagogue that the FBI labeled a Hezbollah-inspired terrorist act, alongside El-Sayed’s earlier remark and his later apology.
The PAC previously put $33 million into the Democratic primary, opposing El-Sayed and backing Rep. Haley Stevens, according to AdImpact. El-Sayed, who has accused Israel of genocide in Gaza, now faces former GOP Rep. Mike Rogers. At their first debate Thursday, Rogers said he would accept AIPAC’s help.
The renewed spending could intensify attention on Israel policy in a closely watched Senate race, potentially shaping how Michigan voters weigh foreign affairs alongside domestic concerns. Jewish voters receiving the mailers may feel directly courted, while other voters could see the contest as a proxy fight over Middle East debates. The messaging may also deepen polarization or, alternatively, prompt more scrutiny of candidates’ past statements and apologies. Its broader effect remains uncertain.