Republican Candidate Mike Rogers Asks AIPAC Not to Campaign for Him

US Republican leader Mike Rogers and his allies have reportedly asked the pro-Israel lobby American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) not to run a campaign on his behalf ahead of the November general election.

Rogers is a Republican Senate candidate from Michigan, a state home to one of the country’s largest Arab American populations, and fears that open AIPAC support might backfire. The request to AIPAC came after Rogers met with AIPAC chair Michael Tuchin in Los Angeles last week. AIPAC is officially a non-partisan group that advocates unconditional US support for Israel and pushes back against criticism of Israeli governments.

It was established in 1954 under its original name, the American Zionist Committee for Public Affairs. Its founding objective was to persuade Congress to fund Israel’s economy and the absorption of Jewish refugees, framed as an American national interest. The pro-Israel lobby group has faced mounting pressure from the progressive wing of the Democratic Party, which has been critical of Israel and its ongoing war in Gaza.

Now, Republican party candidates are also looking to distance themselves from the group as a growing number of Americans challenge US support for Israel. The winner will face Republican candidate Rep. Kevin Hern, who has President Donald Trump's endorsement. Oklahoma has not sent a Democrat to the Senate in more than three decades.