Haley Stevens Defends Israel Aid Amid Michigan Primary Protests

Representative Haley Stevens defended her support for U.S. military aid to Israel during a campaign event in Grand Rapids on August 3, 2026, one day before the Michigan primaries. The event was marked by protests regarding the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, which spent tens of millions of dollars to support Stevens' Senate bid. While calling for an end to dark money in politics, Stevens argued that the spending demonstrates strong Democratic support and positioned herself as the most viable candidate to defeat Republican nominee Mike Rogers.

Stevens criticized her primary opponent, Abdul El-Sayed, claiming he would not recognize the right of Israel to exist as a state. El-Sayed has countered by opposing Stevens' acceptance of AIPAC funding and describing Israel's actions in Gaza as genocide.

The Michigan Senate race has evolved into one of the most expensive in the country. Approximately $80 million has been spent on the contest, with $60 million of those funds spent on behalf of Stevens.