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

As progressive Israel critic Abdul El-Sayed won Michigan's Democratic primary for the US Senate race, various Jewish and pro-Israel constituents in the state and beyond have aligned - sometimes hesitantly - with his Republican opponent. However, recent reports suggest that the GOP candidate, former US Rep. Mike Rogers, is uncertain about the extent of support he is willing to accept from pro-Israel donors.

Rogers and his team have communicated with AIPAC, the pro-Israel lobbying group, about refraining from directly funding his campaign in the general election to avoid potential attacks from El-Sayed, with whom El-Sayed is currently tied in the polls. Instead, Rogers is exploring alternative avenues for backing, such as funneling funds into a general super PAC supporting him.

Rogers did not respond to inquiries from the Jewish Telegraphic Agency (JTA) for comment, and there is no indication that the campaign has severed ties with AIPAC, its affiliated super PACs, or their donor base. Quite the opposite, Rogers recently participated in several AIPAC-related fundraising events in Los Angeles, according to the New York Times.

Additionally, a majority of AIPAC-aligned Jewish donors to Rogers' campaign have remained supportive, according to Dennis Bernard, a Jewish resident of metro Detroit and political fundraiser.

Bernard, who serves as national chair for Jewish Federations of North America's government relations, described Rogers' attempts to distance himself from AIPAC as a tactical strategy. He added that Rogers is likely grateful for AIPAC's assistance and is considering how to strategically use Jewish money in the changing political landscape. Bernard noted that being linked to AIPAC has become a liability in many races, similar to receiving "data center money."

A spokesperson for AIPAC told JTA that the campaign has explicitly informed them that they welcome support from AIPAC and its members. AIPAC rarely engages in general elections but has stated that it still views El-Sayed as a primary target.

David Victor, a Michigan resident and former AIPAC president, who is still involved with the organization, referred a reporter to the national group. While it is uncertain whether a less visible role for AIPAC would protect Rogers from accusations of collusion with the group, AIPAC and its defenders argue that its spending for El-Sayed's opponent, Rep. Haley Stevens, contributed to narrowing her margin of victory and weakening her in the general election.

However, the group has faced criticism for its aggressive spending against liberal pro-Israel candidates, which some observers believe helped propel more hostile figures to office.