Rachel Griffin Accurso, known to millions as the children's entertainer "Ms. Rachel," has contributed $3,000 to Abdul El-Sayed's campaign for the Michigan Senate seat. The donation, disclosed in a federal filing, has drawn criticism from Republicans and highlighted the progressive El-Sayed's controversial remarks regarding Israel and the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
The National Republican Senatorial Committee spokeswoman Samantha Cantrell criticized both El-Sayed and Accurso, suggesting parents should be concerned about their platform. "Abdul El-Sayed and Ms. Rachel are one and the same, forcing their socialist, they/them, anti-America agenda on our children," Cantrell told The New York Post. "Parents should be worried when they head to the ballot box."
El-Sayed, who has secured endorsements from prominent progressive figures like Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, has previously called for an arms embargo against Israel and accused the country of genocide in Gaza. In a July appearance on "Inside Politics Sunday," he described Israel as a "rogue state" that "did a genocide," claims Israel has repeatedly denied, stating its military actions target Hamas and aim to minimize civilian casualties.
The controversy surrounding El-Sayed's rhetoric comes as he faces a primary challenge from Rep. Haley Stevens, a more moderate Democrat. The race is seen as a key contest in the upcoming August 4 primary, with the pro-Israel lobbying group AIPAC reportedly spending nearly $30 million to support Stevens.
Accurso, whose YouTube channel boasts over 20 million subscribers, has increasingly engaged in political advocacy beyond her children's content. She has spoken out against the Dilley Immigration Processing Center in South Texas, accusing the facility of neglect and child abuse, and has met with families at detention facilities. In a PBS NewsHour interview, Accurso defended her public statements on behalf of Palestinian children, stating, "I think it’s sad to take someone’s dedication and love for all children and try and make that wrong."
Accurso has also made past political contributions, including donations to two congressional candidates backed by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Her husband, Aron Accurso, has also made campaign contributions.
El-Sayed has previously addressed his associations, including campaigning with streamer Hasan Piker, who had made controversial remarks about 9/11. El-Sayed stated in May that campaigning with someone does not mean endorsing all of their past statements.