AIPAC-Funded Establishment Targets Anti-War Candidate Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan Primary

The AIPAC-funded Democratic establishment, having defeated Graham Platner in Maine, is now focusing on Michigan's August 4 primary to stop anti-war candidate Dr. Abdul El-Sayed. They aim to use Black voters to support U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens. El-Sayed, a 41-year-old epidemiologist and former public health official, would be the first Muslim senator. He campaigns on an anti-Israel platform, abolishing ICE, raising taxes on the rich, and Medicare for All. Supporters compare him to Barack Obama and Bernie Sanders; critics call him cocksure and condescending. The New York Times frames the race as a fight between progressive and moderate flanks, while CNN highlights Black voter skepticism. El-Sayed faces negative ads funded by AIPAC, which has spent $30 million on Stevens. Open Secrets reports over $52 million in independent expenditures. Endorsements for Stevens include Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Attorney General Dana Nessel, who charged 85% of Gaza protesters. Farmington school board member Angie Smith, known for toxic behavior, endorsed Stevens with Islamophobic remarks. El-Sayed defended Stevens against attacks but she did not reciprocate. Black voters make up one-fifth of the electorate and historically back moderates. El-Sayed is also hampered by resentment over his support for the "uncommitted" movement in 2024, which some say helped Donald Trump win Michigan.