Mike Rogers Requests AIPAC to Withdraw Support

Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers has asked the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) not to campaign on his behalf, concerned that their support could negatively impact his chances in the November election. This unusual request highlights AIPAC's diminished political standing due to voter anger over the Gaza war.

Despite being a pro-Israel Republican, Rogers fears that AIPAC's backing could be a liability. AIPAC officials, who had invested over $30 million to defeat Rogers' Democratic primary opponent, Abdul El-Sayed, expressed frustration over this decision.

El-Sayed, a progressive former Wayne County health official, successfully used AIPAC's spending against his opponent, portraying them as beholden to the pro-Israel lobby. Rogers' team warned AIPAC before the August 4 primary that El-Sayed might win, but AIPAC insisted on involvement, believing moderate Democrat Haley Stevens would prevail.

Stevens lost narrowly, and Rogers' allies suggested AIPAC support without direct visibility. Currently, direct talks between Rogers and AIPAC have stalled, raising concerns among national Republicans about AIPAC's potential absence in the general election.