Michigan Democrats clash over El-Sayed strategy as Election Day nears

Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed faces internal party friction less than a week before the Michigan Senate election. His former primary rival, Rep. Haley Stevens, publicly pushed for stronger messaging on Wednesday, while her fiancé, Jason Turkish, announced he would vote for Republican challenger Mike Rogers.

The tension stems from a contentious primary that left lasting divisions. El-Sayed has focused on recruiting college students and rural voters rather than consolidating the traditional Democratic base. This strategy has drawn criticism from segments of the party that feel overlooked.

Turkish told The Detroit News on Wednesday that he would support Rogers. Hours later, Stevens appeared on CNN to confirm she would still vote for El-Sayed. She urged the campaign to "shut out the hate and call it out." Stevens specifically asked for her coalition, including Jewish and Black voters, to feel comfortable returning to the polls.

Concerns have centered on El-Sayed’s past remarks and his association with streamer Hasan Piker. A recent advertisement by the independent group Rebellion PAC linked U.S. support for Israel to high grocery prices. El-Sayed said the ad "has nothing to do with our campaign." Some Democrats argued he should have denounced the content more directly rather than merely distancing himself.

Rabbi Aaron Starr of Congregation Shaarey Zedek in Southfield told reporters the political temperature has risen. "Instead of things getting better over the last seven weeks, they’ve actually gotten worse," Starr said. He criticized both the Rebellion PAC ad and El-Sayed’s own campaign materials.

El-Sayed has tried to counter Republican messaging by targeting heavily Republican areas, including Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. His campaign released an ad featuring conservative figures, such as Tucker Carlson, praising him. Carlson has faced antisemitism accusations, which he has denied. This outreach has added to friction with some Jewish voters.

Rogers remains closely aligned with President Donald Trump. The two appeared together at a Michigan rally on Sunday. Rogers credited Trump with bringing manufacturing jobs to the state. Both candidates are now competing in a race defined by high grocery prices and dissatisfaction with the Iran war.