El-Sayed Confronted on Soros Ties Amid 'Money Out of Politics' Campaign

Michigan Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed has been challenged regarding his ties to billionaire donor George Soros, particularly after criticizing his Republican opponent, Mike Rogers, for accepting corporate funding. El-Sayed's campaign is centered on a pledge to remove "money from politics."

During an interview, El-Sayed was pressed about whether his relationships with wealthy donors, including those connected to the Soros family, undermine his anti-corruption message. El-Sayed's graduate education was partially funded by the Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans, and George Soros's nephew, Jeffrey Soros, reportedly hosted a fundraiser for El-Sayed in Los Angeles.

"When individuals want to give to my campaign, I welcome their support," El-Sayed stated in defense of his associations. He differentiated this from accepting corporate funds, asserting, "You know what I don't do? I don't call corporations. I don't call AIPAC… Individuals who want to support a campaign, that's different."

The Soros family's political network has contributed millions to committees supporting El-Sayed's Senate bid. El-Sayed maintained his stance that corporations should not influence politicians, drawing a distinction between individual donations and corporate solicitations. He argued that corporate money can lead elected officials to overlook constituent interests, citing the example of voting to keep prescription drug prices high.

El-Sayed was also questioned about the $30 million pledged by the Senate Majority PAC to support his election. He was asked if he believed such funding, which he acknowledged could originate from corporations, would lead to quid pro quo arrangements in Washington. El-Sayed insisted that groups backing his candidacy "won’t" seek favors in return, stating, "I am not interested in doing the bidding of corporations. I will not sit down with a corporate lobbyist."

He reiterated his commitment to removing corporate influence, arguing that such funding allows lobbyists to shape legislation and distract from the needs of constituents. El-Sayed expressed a desire to end the practice of corporations funding politicians on "both sides of the aisle."

El-Sayed's campaign is also set to feature former President Barack Obama on the campaign trail in Michigan later this month. In addition to political funding, El-Sayed has also commented on foreign policy, asserting that Iran's nuclear threat was contained prior to President Trump's actions and denying any intention to target billionaires.