Senator Tuberville’s Promotion Hold Warns of Risks From Michigan Candidate El-Sayed
The author recalls how Senator Tommy Tuberville’s hold on promotions stalled over 400 senior officers and warns that Michigan candidate Abdul El-Sayed could use similar tactics against the military and Israel.
The piece reflects on Senator Tommy Tuberville’s February 2023 decision to place a blanket hold on more than 400 senior military promotions as a protest against a DoD policy covering out-of-state reproductive-health travel, a move that stalled the advancement of colonels, Navy captains and future generals for roughly ten months. The author contends that this “Tuberville Blockade” illustrates how a single senator can jeopardize military careers and urges that such leverage not be repeated.
Turning to Michigan, the column warns that Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, described as an ardent critic of Israel, has advocated for an immediate, comprehensive arms embargo that would include defensive systems like the Iron Dome. El-Sayed’s repeated appearances with left-wing streamer Hasan Piker are presented as further proof of his radical outlook. The author suggests that, if elected, El-Sayed could employ the same procedural tactics to disrupt U.S. military aid to Israel, posing a threat to national security. The article concludes by urging Michigan voters to consider these risks when casting ballots in what is portrayed as the nation’s most consequential Senate contest.
Why it matters
A single senator can halt promotions and affect defense policy, so voters must assess candidates' potential impact on the military.
How this story developed
- Jul 20 Voters Favor Democratic Socialists Over MAGA Candidates, New Poll Shows
- Aug 5 Donald Trump praised Abdul El‑Sayed’s primary win as an advantage for the Michigan GOP.
- Aug 6 Abdul El-Sayed won the Democratic primary for Michigan’s U.S. Senate seat, beating centrist Haley Stevens.
- Aug 6 Rep. Pramila Jayapal said Michigan Republicans intend to vote for El‑Sayed.
- Aug 7 President Donald Trump denounced El‑Sayed on Truth Social and El‑Sayed reposted the comment, emphasizing their shared opposition to the filibuster.
- Aug 7 DSA‑aligned candidates have begun winning major primary contests, including a Senate nomination in Michigan.
- Aug 8 Stevens announced she will fully back El‑Sayed for the November race.
- Aug 9 Trump posted that ending the filibuster would give Democrats extra seats, and El‑Sayed reposted the same position.
- Aug 11 Zohran Mamdani took office as New York City mayor on Jan. 1.
- Aug 11 Francesca Hong now holds a clear lead in Wisconsin’s open governor’s race.
- Aug 11 The Democratic primary will determine if Hong, a former chef and single mother, becomes the party's nominee for governor, challenging the endorsement of retiring Gov. Tony Evers for Crowley. Hong leads in a recent poll with 38% support, while Crowley trails at 7% and other candidates have withdrawn. Her campaign emphasizes grassroots organizing, claiming 120,000 door knocks and a focus on issues such as legalizing marijuana, raising wages, and protecting freedoms. Critics warn her victory could affect donor contributions and raise questions about the party's ability to win the general election against Republican Rep. Tom Tiffany.
- Aug 11 David Crowley re‑entered the race after receiving Gov. Tony Evers’s endorsement.
- Aug 11 Democratic leaders announced a statewide unity tour featuring a breakfast with Baldwin and Pocan and a Milwaukee rally for Crowley.
- Aug 12 With three‑quarters of votes counted, Hong and Crowley are separated by less than one point, keeping the Democratic nomination undecided.
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