Fearing Defeat by El-Sayed, Republican Senate Candidate Asks AIPAC Not to Run Ads for Him

Allies of Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers have asked the pro-Israel lobby group AIPAC not to run direct advertising for him as he competes against Democratic candidate Abdul El-Sayed in the upcoming November by-election.

Rogers’ camp instead urged the group to take a behind-the-scenes role, Axios reported.

According to Axios, Rogers’ team is concerned that a large, conspicuous advertising campaign by AIPAC could actually benefit the narrative of his rival El-Sayed, a vocal critic of Israel who won the Democratic primary some time ago.

El-Sayed won despite AIPAC having spent around $30 million to block him.

Axios, citing sources familiar with the matter, reported that the Rogers team’s stance has angered AIPAC officials who wanted a visible role in defeating El-Sayed.

The move shows how far AIPAC’s political standing has fallen amid voter anger over Israel’s war in Gaza.

In comments to Axios, Rogers said, “I welcome any form of support from the pro-Israel community and I am proud of their involvement.”