AOC Funnels $1 Million to Michigan Senate Candidate El-Sayed

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is contributing $1 million to the Senate campaign of Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan, demonstrating her influence in progressive fundraising and political support.

Ocasio-Cortez announced the significant transfer of funds from her New York campaign committee to the Abdul for Michigan Victory Fund, a joint fundraising committee that also includes the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee and the Michigan Democratic State Central Committee. The announcement came during a campaign event for El-Sayed in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

"I will be transferring from our campaign in New York one million dollars to the state of Michigan to help support you all," Ocasio-Cortez told supporters. "So I’m not talking about it — I’m being about it."

Ocasio-Cortez, a prominent member of the "Squad," has been an active force in Democratic politics. She previously endorsed El-Sayed in July, prior to his victory over Rep. Haley Stevens in the Michigan Democratic primary. At a New York City fundraiser for El-Sayed, Ocasio-Cortez stated, "If Abdul can win in Michigan, anybody can win anywhere."

This financial backing comes as El-Sayed faces Republican candidate Mike Rogers in the Michigan Senate race. The election is a key contest that could influence party control of the Senate, which Republicans currently hold by a narrow 53-47 majority.

Ocasio-Cortez was the top House fundraiser in the previous year, raising $23.5 million. Her principal campaign committee currently holds over $17 million in available funds.

El-Sayed's campaign has also garnered support from former President Barack Obama, who has released an advertisement endorsing the candidate and is scheduled to headline a rally with him in Detroit later this month. This contrasts with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who had supported Stevens in the primary race.

The Michigan Senate contest is expected to be closely watched as the midterm elections approach in November.