Michigan GOP U.S. Senate candidate Mike Rogers argues Democrats have harmed Michigan's economy, leading to job losses and higher living cost, on ‘The Big Weekend Show.’
Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., is urging Democratic leaders to restrict super PAC involvement in party primaries, arguing that wealthy outside groups have too much influence over Democratic nominations.
In a post on X on Sunday, Sanders singled out the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, or AIPAC, while criticizing outside spending in Democratic primaries.
"It is insane that the Democrats allow super PACs like AIPAC to spend millions in their primaries — only for those same special interests to help elect Republicans in the general election," Sanders wrote. "My message to Democratic leaders: Ban super PACs from Democratic primaries NOW."
Sanders also shared an Aug. 8 letter addressed to Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., and Democratic National Committee Chairman Ken Martin.
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Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., speaks during a news conference at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on May 20, 2026. Sanders is calling on Democratic leaders to ban super PACs from participating in party primaries. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)
In the letter, Sanders said AIPAC and affiliated groups spent more than $30 million in Michigan’s Democratic primary in an effort to defeat Dr. Abdul El-Sayed. He also said the group plans to spend tens of millions more to support Republican Mike Rogers in the general election.
"AIPAC is not the only super PAC or outside organization playing this role. Corporate super PACs — including crypto, AI and online betting special interests — have already spent a record $517 million this election cycle, shattering the record set in 2024," Sanders wrote.
His criticism focused not only on the amount of outside spending, but also on groups that he said try to influence Democratic primaries and then support Republican candidates if their preferred Democrat loses.
"What is particularly obscene is not only the outrageous amount of money coming into Democratic primaries from billionaire-funded super PACs, but the reality that these special interests have no particular desire to see Democrats win," he said.
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A visitor holds an AIPAC folder inside the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., on March 12, 2024. In a Sunday post on X, Sanders took particular aim at the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, or AIPAC. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)
"It is absurd that they spend tens of millions of dollars to try to determine who the Democratic nominee is and, if they fail, then proceed to support the Republican candidate in the general election."
AIPAC says it supports pro-Israel candidates from both parties, according to its website.