El-Sayed campaign asks Rep. Stevens to skip upcoming events amid campaign dispute
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Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed’s team requested Rep. Haley Stevens stay away from his campaign appearances after she demanded he denounce a controversial ad linking cost-of-living issues to aid for Israel.
Democratic Michigan Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed’s campaign has asked Rep. Haley Stevens not to attend any of his upcoming campaign events, ending a brief effort to present a united front between the former primary rivals. The request came after Stevens issued a statement on Oct. 30 urging El-Sayed to condemn a political-action-committee ad that she described as antisemitic and to apologize for his own campaign rhetoric.
"Abdul promises to get money out of politics," Stevens wrote. "He can begin by getting Israel out of his explanation for everything Michigan cannot afford."
A source who spoke on condition of anonymity confirmed the request, and Politico first reported the development. El-Sayed responded that Stevens appeared intent on "relitigating a primary that ended three months ago" rather than focusing on defeating Republican nominee Mike Rogers.
Both campaigns declined to comment when approached for further remarks. The dispute arises as El-Sayed seeks to consolidate Democratic support ahead of a Senate race that could affect control of the U.S. Senate. His campaign has emphasized outreach to Jewish Democrats who have expressed concern over his criticism of Israel.
The contested ad, produced by Rebellion PAC, features a grocery-store scene suggesting that aid to Israel drives up U.S. living costs and ends with images of Israeli leaders. El-Sayed’s campaign said the ad is not affiliated with his campaign and that only he and his team speak for him.
Some Democrats, including Stevens, have criticized El-Sayed for not labeling the ad antisemitic, while others have questioned Stevens’ timing in raising the issue so close to the election. Rep. Debbie Dingell defended the earlier joint appearance, saying all participants are working toward a victory on Election Day.