Mamdani Allies Hosting Fundraiser for Michigan Senate Candidate Abdul El-Sayed
A New York City event on October 5th aims to gather support for the Democratic candidate, who has echoed Mayor Mamdani's stances on the Middle East.
Allies of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani are organizing a significant fundraising event in Manhattan for Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed.
The fundraiser is scheduled to take place on the Bowery on October 5, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. According to a flyer for the event, contributors can donate up to $57,500 to the Abdul Michigan Victory Fund.
Among the co-hosts are jeweler Alexis Bittar, former R.E.M. frontman Michael Stipe, presumptive House Democratic Representative Brad Lander, former Congressman Jamaal Bowman, and Brooklyn Councilman Chi Osse. Two individuals described as Mamdani campaign confidantes, political strategists Andrew Bard Epstein and Zara Rahim, are also listed as co-hosts.
"I’m just helping a candidate I believe in," Epstein stated on Thursday.
It remains unclear whether Mayor Mamdani himself will attend the event or meet with El-Sayed during his visit to the city.
El-Sayed, who secured the Democratic Senate primary in Michigan in August, is currently in a race against Republican former Representative Mike Rogers for the seat that will be vacated by retiring Democratic Senator Gary Peters. This contest has garnered considerable national attention and financial backing.
El-Sayed's positions on Middle Eastern issues align with those of Mayor Mamdani. He has previously accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza and has voiced opposition to U.S. military aid to Israel. The Democratic nominee has also faced criticism for his past association with streamer Hassan Piker, who made controversial remarks about the September 11th attacks in 2019.