More than 400 Democratic Jewish Michiganders have signed a letter endorsing Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers, warning that they feel "threatened and alienated" by progressive Democrat Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan's competitive Senate race.
The signatories include Rob Orley, a prominent Democratic donor and senior advisor for O2 Investments who previously donated tens of thousands of dollars to Democratic campaigns according to FEC filings. Orley and hundreds of other Jewish leaders are now publicly breaking with their party to support the Republican candidate.
"Many of us have been fiercely supportive of Democratic candidates and principles," the letter stated. "If El-Sayed were to win the general election in this important swing state, we fear the far-left and anti-Jewish elements in the Democratic Party would become dominant, including in the imminent 2028 presidential race."
What the Right Is Saying
Signatories of the letter argue their concerns are rooted in community safety rather than partisan politics, pointing to rhetoric and alliances they find troubling.
Among those signing the letter is Robert Gordon, former president of Temple Israel, Michigan's largest Jewish congregation, which was the site of an antisemitic attack in March. Other signatories include Shayna Levine (daughter of Temple Israel's lead rabbi), David Propis (cantor at Congregation Shaarey Zedek), Laurence Deitch (former University of Michigan regent), and Hannan Lis, a Weight Watchers executive.
Attorney Daniel Cherrin, who signed the letter, stated he has not attended an AIPAC event since college more than 30 years ago. While describing El-Sayed as a "good" person, Cherrin said he cannot support the movement backing his candidacy.
"I am very concerned about the movement that is behind Abdul, and for the safety of my community, I don't feel safe in that environment with the people that are standing in support of him," Cherrin told Fox News Digital. "They don't understand the impact that their words and their actions is having on me and my children and my neighbors."
What the Left Is Saying
Former Rep. Andy Levin, who is Jewish and endorsed El-Sayed in November 2025, argued that opposition to El-Sayed among Jewish Democrats represents a minority view being amplified by outside interests.
"The people I know associated with it are all long-time AIPAC insiders and supporters," Levin told Fox News Digital. He noted that AIPAC "represents a distinctly minority position about Israel and Palestine within the Jewish community."
Levin, who lost his 2022 primary bid after AIPAC spent more than $4 million against him, said he receives constant messages from Jewish voters who want to ensure El-Sayed wins.
"I am overwhelmed like literally every day except Shabbat on Saturday with the incoming I get from Jewish people, young people, middle-aged people, older people, who are so mad about an effort like this and who want to do everything they can to make sure Abdul El-Sayed wins the election," Levin said. "We do everything we can to save and expand our democracy."
Levin also argued that too much focus has been placed on Hasan Piker, a Twitch streamer serving as a top surrogate for El-Sayed who has made antisemitic statements.
What the Numbers Show
The letter's signatories claim to represent more than 400 Jewish voters who have historically voted Democratic but are now publicly backing a Republican candidate in a competitive Senate race.
AIPAC spent more than $4 million against former Rep. Andy Levin in his 2022 primary battle, which he lost to Rep. Haley Stevens.
FEC filings show Rob Orley donated tens of thousands of dollars to Democratic campaigns before publicly endorsing Rogers.
The Bottom Line
The defection of prominent Jewish Democrats to a Republican candidate highlights deepening divisions within the party over progressive politics and alliances with online influencers who have made antisemitic statements. Michigan's Senate race remains competitive in a state that could determine control of the chamber. El-Sayed has attempted to distance himself from Hasan Piker, suggesting critics focusing on that affiliation are "missing the boat." Voters will decide the outcome on November 3rd.