GOP's Mike Rogers weighs AIPAC liability vs. support in high-stakes Michigan Senate race

Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers has reportedly asked AIPAC to avoid direct spending in his Michigan race against progressive Democrat Abdul El-Sayed, fearing it could become a political liability. Despite this, Rogers continues to accept AIPAC-aligned donor money and has attended AIPAC-connected fundraisers. The race remains a statistical tie, highlighting the complex dynamics of pro-Israel support in competitive elections.

Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers is navigating a delicate balance with the pro-Israel lobby AIPAC in his tight Michigan race against progressive Democrat Abdul El-Sayed. According to multiple reports, Rogers and his representatives have signaled to AIPAC that they would like the group to refrain from directly spending in his favor in the general election, to avoid opening up a line of attack. The campaign is instead suggesting alternative avenues of support, including funneling cash into a general pro-Rogers super PAC. Despite this, Rogers has not cut ties with AIPAC; he recently attended several major AIPAC-connected fundraisers in Los Angeles, and the vast majority of AIPAC-aligned Jewish donors remain in his corner. The maneuvering underscores a growing fear among Jewish and pro-Israel groups that AIPAC has become more of a liability than an asset in the current political climate. Rogers is also positioning himself as a fighter of antisemitism, citing El-Sayed's comments after a synagogue attack and his association with anti-Israel streamer Hasan Piker. A rabbi spoke at a "Democrats for Mike" press conference, backing Rogers over El-Sayed.