SouthernWorldwide.com – Abdul El-Sayed, a Democratic candidate vying for a U.S. Senate seat in Michigan, has publicly denounced donations from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) as a form of “legalized bribery.”
In a recent post on X, El-Sayed stated that AIPAC is set to spend a significant amount against him, questioning the group’s motives. He suggested that his opponent, Haley Stevens, is more dedicated to a foreign country’s interests than to the welfare of American citizens, specifically regarding the allocation of tax dollars for essential services like schools and healthcare.
El-Sayed explicitly characterized these actions as “Legalized bribery at its worst.” This statement comes less than a month before the primary election, where he faces incumbent Rep. Haley Stevens, a pro-Israel and establishment candidate.
The candidate’s strong stance has ignited discussions about foreign influence in American elections. Questions have been raised as to whether El-Sayed’s criticism of AIPAC’s donations could extend to other political action committees (PACs) with different foreign policy alignments.
Investigative reporter Chuck Ross took to X to pose a pertinent question: “Does that apply to PAL PAC and Arab American PAC?” Ross’s inquiry highlights the potential for a broader application of El-Sayed’s “legalized bribery” accusation to other groups, such as pro-Palestine organizations.
The influence of Israel and its political sway in the United States has emerged as a central theme in the Michigan Senate primary race. Stevens, who has received endorsement from Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, has been a vocal critic of El-Sayed’s questioning of the U.S.-Israel alliance, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict with Hamas.
During a debate, Stevens articulated her position, stating, “I can say that Israel has a right to peacefully exist alongside the people of Palestine and Gaza.” This statement underscores the differing perspectives on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict held by the candidates.
El-Sayed, on the other hand, has consistently argued that the “Israel lobby” has exerted undue influence over U.S. elections. He contends that this influence hinders candidates from openly questioning the U.S. partnership with Israel or debating the conditions under which U.S. aid should be provided.
“For too long our foreign policy has been handed to us by the likes of the state of Israel and AIPAC, who has made sure that both Democrats and Republicans are doing their bidding,” El-Sayed asserted during a recent public appearance.
Adding another layer to the narrative, El-Sayed’s own financial disclosures have come under scrutiny. In response to calls for him to release his tax returns, El-Sayed explained that his family’s ownership of property abroad had complicated the process of obtaining necessary tax documentation.
When questioned about the delay in releasing his tax returns, El-Sayed stated, “Taxes get complicated. My wife and her family own property abroad and getting all those tax forms is a thing.” This explanation has led to further questions from opponents, with some suggesting he might be concealing something.
According to candidate report disclosures filed in June 2025, El-Sayed has reported various assets. These include a salary from Wayne County amounting to $278,900, along with other holdings that place his net worth between $580,000 and $1.7 million.
Furthermore, his wife’s financial disclosures indicate a holding of up to $15,000 in real estate located in India. This detail also contributes to the broader discussion about foreign assets and their implications in political campaigns.
