AIPAC‑backed donors shape Michigan Senate Democratic primary

Republican‑aligned megadonors are pouring money into the United Democracy Project, a super‑PAC run by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, to support Rep. Haley Stevens in Michigan’s open Senate seat. To date the PAC has raised nearly $15 million, including $2.5 million from billionaire Paul Singer and $1.6 million from WhatsApp co‑founder Jan Koum. Stevens faces Detroit‑born physician Abdul El‑Sayed, who has condemned Israel’s war in Gaza as a genocide and blamed AIPAC’s influence for U.S. policy.

El‑Sayed’s campaign has drawn scrutiny in a recent CNN interview, where host Jake Tapper repeatedly pressed him on his views of Israel and Iran, leading to a tense exchange. The race is tightening, with polls showing both candidates competitive for the Democratic nomination that will determine the next U.S. senator from Michigan.