Abdul El-Sayed has refused super PAC funding. An anti-AIPAC PAC says it will spend for him, anyway

American Priorities PAC, a super PAC formed to counter the influence of pro-Israel political action committees, has confirmed it will spend to support Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan's Democratic US Senate primary. This decision comes despite El-Sayed's public pledge to refuse all super PAC funding.

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do whatever it takes

A spokesperson for the PAC told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency that its vow to "do whatever it takes" to help El-Sayed "means spending." This move places El-Sayed, who has run an insurgent campaign for a seat considered crucial for Democrats, alongside other progressives who have criticized pro-Israel super PACs while benefiting from spending by newly formed pro-Palestinian super PACs. Super PACs are legally prohibited from directly coordinating with campaigns, allowing American Priorities to potentially raise funds for ads and get-out-the-vote operations without El-Sayed's direct consent.

El-Sayed, a physician and former county health director, has made refusing PAC money a cornerstone of his platform, with "money out of politics" featured on his campaign signs. A recent ad claimed he was the "only candidate for Senate" who has taken "No Corporate PAC Money." He is scheduled to debate his opponent, U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens, on Tuesday night. Stevens, a pro-Israel moderate, has welcomed PAC support and has reportedly received at least $10 million in funding from AIPAC-affiliated groups.

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Money out of politics

The American Priorities spokesperson did not immediately clarify what El-Sayed's anti-PAC pledge would mean for the group's spending plans. Neither the El-Sayed nor Stevens campaigns immediately responded to requests for comment.

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the only candidate for Senate who has taken No Corporate PAC Money.