AIPAC’s $9M Late-Stage Bet on Rogers Sparks Progressive Counter-Funding in Michigan
AIPAC is spending up to $9 million to support Republican Mike Rogers in Michigan's Senate race, prompting Bernie Sanders and other progressives to raise counter-funds for Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed. The money is routed through super PACs to avoid public disclosure before Election Day, while polls show El-Sayed holding a narrow lead.
Key points
- AIPAC’s super PAC, United Democracy Project, is transferring up to $9 million to the Great Lakes Conservatives Fund to support Mike Rogers, timed after the October 14 disclosure deadline to remain hidden from voters until after November 3.
- Bernie Sanders donated $1 million to El-Sayed’s campaign and raised an additional $300,000 from other Democratic senators, including Martin Heinrich and Tina Smith, to counter the AIPAC spending.
- El-Sayed leads in most recent polls by 1 to 5 points, with Nate Silver’s forecast giving him an 80 percent chance of winning, though betting markets show lower confidence at around 70 percent.
- A separate super PAC, Together for Michigan, formerly branded as Democrats for Mike Rogers, is spending nearly $5 million against El-Sayed, but FEC records show its largest donors are Republican-aligned groups, not crossover Democrats.
- AIPAC announced it will stop endorsing candidates or making direct contributions, shifting to a strategy of prioritizing individual donations while maintaining its super PAC spending.
Background
The Michigan Senate race has been a focal point for national Democrats since Gary Peters announced his retirement in early 2025. The contest has been marked by intense debate over Israel policy, with AIPAC spending over $33 million in the Democratic primary to oppose El-Sayed. Previous coverage highlighted divisions within Michigan’s Jewish community and personal attacks from Vice President JD Vance, who called El-Sayed a 'weasel' in October.
How outlets are covering it
The New York Times emphasizes the direct financial clash between AIPAC and progressive Democrats, highlighting Sanders’s outrage and the rapid mobilization of counter-funds. Newsweek focuses on the strategic timing of AIPAC’s spending to avoid disclosure and the broader shift in AIPAC’s campaign strategy, noting that Rogers initially resisted AIPAC support before accepting it. Latin Times critiques the authenticity of the 'Democrats for Mike Rogers' super PAC, arguing that its funding and messaging align with Republican interests rather than genuine Democratic crossover, and highlights the use of undisclosed media advocacy to attack El-Sayed.
Why it matters
The Michigan Senate race is critical for Democrats to maintain control of the U.S. Senate, which currently stands at 53-47 in favor of Republicans. A loss in Michigan could shift the balance of power, especially given that the state has not sent a Republican to the Senate since 1994. The race also reflects broader national tensions over Israel policy and the role of super PACs in influencing elections.
What to watch
Early in-person voting in Michigan begins on October 24, with absentee ballots already being returned. The outcome of the race will likely depend on voter turnout and the effectiveness of late-stage advertising, including the undisclosed AIPAC spending. Polls suggest El-Sayed holds a narrow lead, but the margin is within the margin of error, making the race highly competitive.
- Bernie Sanders Gives $1 Million to Bolster El-Sayed and Counter AIPAC in Michigan The New York Times
- Mehdi Hasan on AIPAC’s Role in El-Sayed vs. Rogers Race in Michigan & Trump’s Targeting of Ilhan Omar Democracy Now!
- Sanders feuds with AIPAC over last-minute Rogers donations The Hill
- AIPAC dumps last-minute $9M behind Mike Rogers in rebuke of Abdul El-Sayed Yahoo
- FEC Records Expose Who's Actually Funding the "Democrats for Mike Rogers" Super PAC — and It Isn't Democrats Latin Times
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