Michigan Democrats juggle support for El-Sayed amid GOP attacks on his leftward ties
Abdul El-Sayed won the Michigan Senate primary but faces criticism from Republicans who say the Democratic ticket is distancing itself from him.
In Michigan’s Senate primary, Abdul El-Sayed edged out Rep. Haley Stevens, though his margin was slimmer than earlier polls suggested. Republicans, particularly Senate nominee Mike Rogers, claim the Democratic Party is deliberately avoiding association with El-Sayed, pointing to the absence of any joint images with the gubernatorial ticket of Jocelyn Benson and Winnie Brinks. Rogers contends that El-Sayed’s connections to progressive organizations, his criticism of Israeli military actions in Gaza, and his relationship with Twitch streamer Hasan Piker allow GOP opponents to label him an extremist.
While El-Sayed rejects the socialist label, his policy overlap with left-leaning groups fuels the narrative. The episode has sparked debate within the Michigan Democratic Party, especially after Attorney General Dana Nessel, who is Jewish, skipped the state convention. Vice President JD Vance also joined the GOP chorus, calling El-Sayed “crazy” and questioning his economic stance.
