Michigan Democratic Senate Race Flares Up Over Israel Ad

Just days before a key Senate election in Michigan, a contentious intra-party dispute has resurfaced between progressive candidate Abdul El-Sayed and former Democratic primary opponent Haley Stevens. The feud reignited over a controversial advertisement that linked U.S. support for Israel to rising grocery prices.

Stevens' fiancé, Jason Turkish, publicly stated he would vote for Republican candidate Mike Rogers, intensifying the public spat. While Stevens reaffirmed her intention to vote for El-Sayed, she urged his campaign to "shut out the hate and call it out," emphasizing the need to make her former coalition feel comfortable supporting him.

El-Sayed's campaign initially stated the ad was not made or endorsed by them and maintained a focus on "the most critical challenges Michiganders are facing." Stevens, however, issued a lengthy social media statement on Friday criticizing El-Sayed and demanding he condemn the advertisement and address past rhetoric. The ad, produced by commentator Cenk Uygur, featured a scenario where a shopper attributed inability to afford eggs to funding "killing Palestinians."

In response to Stevens' criticism, El-Sayed's campaign suggested she was "relitigating a primary" and urged a focus on defeating Rogers. A source from El-Sayed's campaign further requested Stevens not appear at future campaign events to avoid distracting from core campaign issues. Mallory McMorrow, who ran for the nomination before endorsing El-Sayed, expressed confusion over Stevens' actions, stating, "This is a moment where we have to recognize the stakes."

Rogers, meanwhile, has courted Jewish Democratic voters and applauded Stevens, calling her "a courageous leader" and agreeing that El-Sayed was wrong not to denounce the ad.

Earlier in the campaign, El-Sayed's own advertising efforts also generated friction. An ad featuring praise from conservative figures, including Tucker Carlson, drew criticism from Rabbi Aaron Starr, who also condemned the Rebellion PAC ad. Starr noted that "instead of things getting better over the last seven weeks, they've actually gotten worse."

President Donald Trump made blunt remarks at a rally, stating, "If you're Black, or if you're Jewish, and you vote for Abdul, you're not smart." Trump has previously attacked El-Sayed's Muslim faith, labeling him a "jihadist" and stating he was "on the side of terrorists."

Both El-Sayed and Rogers are actively working to win over Black voters, particularly in Detroit's Wayne County. El-Sayed's campaign has held events in heavily Republican areas and released an ad featuring clips of conservative figures. Rogers has visited a Detroit high school and discussed housing costs in Pontiac, with his wife distributing gift cards at a gas station.

Stevens and El-Sayed last appeared together on August 6, following the primary, where Stevens pledged her support. However, divisions from the primary, which saw nearly $60 million spent on advertising attacking El-Sayed, including $30 million from AIPAC, have persisted. Stevens represents a district with a significant Jewish community and is a staunch supporter of Israel.

Despite the internal conflict, El-Sayed and Stevens are scheduled to appear at a joint campaign event in Detroit with South Carolina Congressman Jim Clyburn. The event, planned for Sunday, aims to foster unity just two days before the election, though its ultimate impact remains uncertain. Early voting in Michigan began on October 24. RealClearPolitics polling averages show El-Sayed leading Rogers by five points.