Abdul El-Sayed's campaign announced it raised $2.4 million on Sunday, a record-breaking sum for the day his primary opponent, Rep. Haley Stevens, publicly endorsed Republican Mike Rogers. The surge in donations came from over 65,000 donors, with an average contribution of about $36.
Campaign spokesperson Cole Wozniak attributed the fundraising success to grassroots excitement and a rejection of the political status quo in Michigan. The campaign's largest fundraising day to date followed Stevens' decision to appear with Rogers at a church event on Sunday.
Stevens' endorsement of Rogers has been met with condemnation from within the Democratic Party. Michigan Democratic Party chairman Curtis Hertel accused Stevens of abandoning her principles, and her longtime chief of staff resigned in protest. President Donald Trump, however, praised Stevens' decision.
Stevens defended her decision in a statement Monday, accusing fellow Democrats of intolerance and criticizing El-Sayed. She also denied claims that her fiancé influenced her choice, stating she woke up "clear-eyed, fresh and focused on what was in my heart."
The race for the Senate seat in Michigan, which has been rated as a toss-up, has drawn national attention. El-Sayed, a former public health official, has been a target for Republicans, with Trump referring to him as a "jihadist" and Rogers attempting to link him to the Muslim Brotherhood. El-Sayed has denied these associations.
Amidst the controversy surrounding Stevens' endorsement, El-Sayed received public support from several prominent figures. Rock star Bruce Springsteen endorsed El-Sayed, calling him "a fighter for our American Constitution" and "against the corrupt, lawless, and anti-American leadership currently in the White House." Jane Fonda, through her environmental PAC, also announced her support for El-Sayed. Hillary Clinton voiced her bewilderment at Stevens' actions, suggesting it might ultimately benefit El-Sayed.
Late Monday, the Cook Report adjusted its rating for the Michigan Senate race from "toss-up" to "Lean D," part of a broader prediction that Democrats could gain three to six Senate seats.