Is AIPAC’s political standing declining in the US? | US Midterm Elections 2026 News
Republican Candidate Mike Rogers Asks AIPAC to Refrain from Supporting His Campaign
Mike Rogers, a Republican Senate candidate from Michigan, has requested that the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) refrain from campaigning on his behalf in the lead-up to the November general election.
Rogers expresses concern that overt support from AIPAC, a prominent pro-Israel lobby, could have negative repercussions in Michigan, which hosts one of the largest Arab American populations in the United States.
The request follows a meeting between Rogers and AIPAC Chair Michael Tuchin in Los Angeles last week, as reported by a U.S. media outlet. This development occurs against a backdrop of increasing scrutiny of AIPAC by progressive factions within the Democratic Party, which have been vocally critical of Israel’s actions, particularly in Gaza.
The influence of AIPAC, traditionally a bipartisan organization, faces challenges as both Democratic and Republican candidates look to distance themselves amid a growing public debate about U.S. support for Israel.
Understanding AIPAC
Founded in 1954 as the American Zionist Committee for Public Affairs, AIPAC aims to advocate for U.S. support of Israel and address criticisms of its government. Initially focused on economic assistance and the absorption of Jewish refugees, the organization shifted its focus after the 1967 Six-Day War to include military aid.
AIPAC began financial support for electoral candidates in the early 1980s through individual political action committees (PACs). Until recently, it held significant sway in both political parties, but divisions have emerged within the Democratic Party, particularly following the entries of progressive lawmakers such as Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar.
In December 2021, AIPAC adapted its strategy by directly funding campaigns through its PAC and the affiliate United Democracy Project (UDP), a move that was justified by its leadership as a response to an increasingly partisan political landscape.
AIPAC’s Campaign Strategies Ahead of the November Elections
As the November elections approach, AIPAC has concentrated its efforts on Democratic primaries in liberal-leaning districts. During the 2026 electoral cycle, it reportedly spent over $6 million to support a Democratic candidate in California, among other campaigns. In Michigan, AIPAC invested more than $30 million to back Haley Stevens, a four-term congresswoman, against her opponent, Abdul El-Sayed. Despite this significant investment, El-Sayed prevailed in the primary election.
Current Standing of AIPAC
Despite its historical influence, AIPAC is experiencing setbacks in its efforts to shape U.S. elections. Public sentiment regarding U.S. support for Israel is shifting, with many Americans expressing discontent with policies backed by the organization. In a recent survey, 58 percent of Democrats indicated they believe the U.S. is too supportive of Israel, a noticeable increase from earlier this year.
Notably, some previous AIPAC supporters are publicly distancing themselves from the organization. For instance, Congressman Seth Moulton announced plans to return donations from AIPAC, citing the group’s alignment with the Israeli government under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
In addition, the organization has faced criticism from some Republican figures, including Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, who rejected AIPAC’s assertion of American values in response to her criticism of Israeli policies. Greene has since asserted her independence from AIPAC’s influence, reinforcing a growing divide among lawmakers regarding the lobby’s role.
AIPAC continues to assert its position as a pro-Israel advocacy group, emphasizing its commitment to U.S.-Israel relations. In communications to its supporters, the organization has emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong political presence and defending its mission.
