Michigan Democrats fracturing before Senate vote

Michigan's Democratic coalition is fragmenting days before a critical Senate election. Former primary rivals Abdul El-Sayed and Rep. Haley Stevens are sniping at each other publicly, alarming party officials.

El-Sayed's campaign asks Stevens to stay away

El-Sayed's campaign is asking Stevens to stay away from all future campaign events in the closing days of the race, as not to distract from the central issues of the campaign.

“as not to distract from the central issues of the campaign”

Stevens was set to campaign with El-Sayed

Stevens initially said she would appear alongside El-Sayed and South Carolina Rep. Jim Clyburn at a church in Detroit on Sunday, but then demanded conditions for her participation.

Stevens demands apology over Israel comments

Stevens said she expected El-Sayed to apologize for past comments on Israel and condemn an outside ad supporting him that she described as antisemitic, featuring a grocery store conversation about money for killing Palestinians.

El-Sayed refuses to engage on the issue

El-Sayed did not address the ad or his past comments on Israel. Instead, he said his campaign has always focused on addressing critical challenges Michiganders face and defeating Mike Rogers.

El-Sayed cites spending against him in primary

El-Sayed said his people-powered campaign defeated a historic seventy million dollars in outside spending from big corporations and AIPAC on behalf of Congresswoman Stevens in the August primary.

El-Sayed narrowly won the bitter primary

El-Sayed narrowly defeated Stevens in a bitter and hard-fought primary in August that exposed division over support for Israel. The seat is now held by retiring Democratic Sen. Gary Peters.

State senator criticises Stevens' timing

Michigan state Sen. Mallory McMorrow, squeezed out of the primary by the two other candidates, told CNN that people are talking about gas and grocery prices, not Haley Stevens or campaign ads.

“I have no idea what the hell Haley Stevens is doing. This is a moment where we have to recognize the stakes.”

Democrats worry about losing the seat

The seat is crucial to Democratic hopes to take control of the Senate. Some Democrats are frustrated that the infighting risks imperiling a state the party can hardly afford to lose.

Buttigieg urges Democrats to unite

Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg urged Democrats to come together to support El-Sayed, saying that when health care and affordable everyday life are at stake, the choice is clear.

Republicans exploit the Democratic divisions

Mike Rogers called Stevens a courageous leader and said she was absolutely right to call on El-Sayed to apologize. Rogers said his campaign is about defending these communities and all Michiganders.

Trump attacks El-Sayed at Florida rally

President Donald Trump, at a Friday night rally in Daytona, Florida, said if you are Black or Jewish and vote for Abdul, you are not smart.

“If you're Black, or if you're Jewish, and you vote for Abdul, you're not smart.”

Democratic operative questions Stevens' motives

Democratic operative Adam Carlson, who has polled for a pro El-Sayed super PAC, wrote on X that anyone with a large platform should ask themselves if their public comments are actually helping or just seeking…

“is what I'm doing actually helping, or am I just seeking attention?”