Trump and AIPAC line up against Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan

Aug 06, 2026

Abdul El-Sayed's win in Michigan's Democratic Senate primary has Trump and pro-Israel money moving hard against him — a sign the old attack lines are running dry.

  • El-Sayed, a democratic socialist, won the primary over Haley Stevens despite AIPAC spending at least $32 million to stop him.
  • Trump's response was mostly about Israel and Jews, with the usual "communist/socialist" hits landing weaker than before.
  • AIPAC and Jewish Democratic donors are now expected to pour tens of millions into backing Republican Mike Rogers for the general election.
  • Rogers is running as a "terrorist hunter" against El-Sayed, but he's a weak candidate who already lost a Senate race in a good Republican year.
  • El-Sayed is countering by wrapping himself in the American flag, hammering Rogers on Israel, gas prices, and past opioid votes.

Outlook: Expect a flood of outside money and racially charged attacks in the Michigan Senate race, though the old playbook may not work the way it once did.

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