El-Sayed Asks Stevens to Stay Away as Michigan Democrats Clash Over Senate Race

A campaign event intended to bring unity among Michigan Democrats has instead deepened divisions between Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed and Congresswoman Haley Stevens. The planned joint appearance at a Black church this Sunday is now in doubt after El-Sayed’s campaign requested Stevens not attend any events with him for the remainder of the election cycle.

Rift Between Former Rivals Escalates

Originally scheduled as a gesture to heal Democratic party fractures and to appeal to hesitant voters, the event has become a flashpoint highlighting ongoing tensions. The El-Sayed campaign’s request came Friday night amid a backdrop of escalating friction between the two candidates who competed fiercely in the recent primary.

Stevens declined to confirm whether she would still attend the gathering. In a text to The Washington Post, she chose to remain silent on the matter until after the election, expressing confidence in having a “democratic Senator-elect (my prediction!).”

Tensions have been fueled by comments from Stevens’s fiancé, Jason Turkish, who publicly endorsed Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers over El-Sayed earlier this week. Turkish criticized El-Sayed’s rhetoric on Israel, which has been a contentious issue throughout the campaign.

Mutual Accusations and Calls for Apologies

On Friday morning, Stevens confirmed her participation in the church visit, noting that it was at the invitation of Rep. James E. Clyburn, whom she described as a “dear friend and mentor.” Stevens also called on El-Sayed to apologize for his criticism of U.S. aid to Israel and to denounce an outside ad linked to his campaign that some Jewish groups labeled antisemitic.

El-Sayed’s team had previously distanced itself from the ad, which never aired on television. In response to Stevens’s statement, El-Sayed highlighted the $70 million in outside spending supporting Stevens, including from big corporations and AIPAC, the pro-Israel political action committee, asserting that he defeated her despite this financial advantage.

El-Sayed urged Democrats to focus on defeating Rogers, holding President Trump accountable, reforming campaign finance, and passing Medicare for All, emphasizing the need to move past the primary fight.

Republican Response and Stakes for Senate Control

Republican candidate Mike Rogers released a statement praising Stevens as “a courageous leader who deserves the respect of every Michigan voter,” framing himself as an ally to Michigan’s Jewish and Black communities — groups Stevens had called on El-Sayed to support.

The infighting is occurring as Democrats see Michigan as a critical battleground to win control of the U.S. Senate. Polls show El-Sayed in a close contest with Rogers, with his support trailing other statewide Democrats. The party’s ability to unify behind El-Sayed could be pivotal in the general election.

Calls for Party Unity Amidst Ongoing Tensions

State Senator Mallory McMorrow, who also ran in the Democratic primary and has campaigned with El-Sayed, stressed the importance of unity. She told The Washington Post, “Michigan could very well be the state that flips control of the Senate,” urging Democrats to “Cut the shit. Lock in. Knock doors. Get out the vote. That’s it.”

The discord continued Saturday with Turkish appearing on Fox News, reiterating that Stevens supports the Democratic Party but did not agree with El-Sayed’s approach on Israel, accusing him of putting “Jews at risk.”

The unraveling of the planned unity event and the public sparring between candidates and their allies underscore the challenges Democrats face in consolidating support in a tightly contested Michigan Senate race as Election Day approaches.

With the stakes high and party cohesion fragile, the outcome in Michigan may well influence control of the Senate and the broader political landscape.