Michigan Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed has asked Congresswoman Haley Stevens to avoid his campaign events, citing concerns over distractions as the midterm elections approach. The move comes amid escalating tensions between the two Democrats, who previously clashed in a primary race.
Stevens, who endorsed El-Sayed after he won the primary in August, had planned to campaign with him but was asked by his campaign to avoid events. She criticized El-Sayed for statements linking U.S. support for Israel’s war in Gaza to Michigan’s economic struggles, demanding he apologize. “If those words are wrong when a Political Action Committee supporting his campaign says them, then they are equally wrong when Abdul says them,” Stevens wrote, referencing El-Sayed’s past remarks. El-Sayed countered that Stevens was “relitigating a primary that ended three months ago,” emphasizing his focus on defeating Republican Mike Rogers.
Primary Rivalry Resurfaces
The rift highlights lingering divisions within Michigan’s Democratic Party. Stevens’ fiancé, Jason Turkish, has campaigned for Rogers, complicating her public support for El-Sayed. Meanwhile, El-Sayed’s campaign has distanced itself from Stevens, with a scheduled event featuring former House Majority Leader James Clyburn excluding her. “This is a moment where we have to recognize the stakes,” Michigan state senator Mallory McMorrow told CNN, expressing confusion over Stevens’ actions. “People are not talking about ads. They are not talking about Haley Stevens. They are talking about the price of gas and groceries.”
El-Sayed’s campaign has also faced pressure from within the party.
Republican candidate Mike Rogers has sought to amplify the Democratic divide. In a Friday evening post on X, Rogers called Stevens a “courageous leader” and said she was “absolutely right” to call on El-Sayed to apologize. “I agree with her and my campaign is about being there, showing up and defending these communities and all Michiganders,” Rogers said.
Focus on the General Election
El-Sayed’s campaign has urged unity, stating, “Let’s all focus on the task at hand: that’s beating Mike Rogers, holding Trump accountable, and getting money out of politics, putting money in pockets, and passing Medicare for All.” The dispute highlights the challenges Democrats face in consolidating support ahead of the November vote.
Stevens’ public criticism extended to El-Sayed’s campaign ads. She called for him to take down a commercial featuring conservative commentators and hosts who either seemingly complimented him or criticized his Republican challenger, Mike Rogers.
As the race intensifies, the Senate’s outcome remains in flux. Six tossup races will decide control, according to WSJ. Meanwhile, El-Sayed’s campaign faces scrutiny over its messaging. “I have no idea what the hell Haley Stevens is doing,” Michigan state senator Mallory McMorrow told CNN Friday. “This is a moment where we have to recognize the stakes. People are not talking about ads. They are not talking about Haley Stevens. They are talking about the price of gas and groceries.”
Democrats, I love you even when we disagree.As Michigan Democrats come together for another convention this weekend, I wrote about what happened the last time I walked onto that stage—and what I still believe after a hard-fought primary.Read about it on my Substack:…
El-Sayed’s campaign has also faced internal pressure.