Michigan Senate Nominee Dr. Abdul El-Sayed and Rep. Haley Stevens Clash Over Sunday Unity Event
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Democratic Senate candidate Dr. Abdul El-Sayed and former primary rival Rep. Haley Stevens are feuding over a Detroit church event, an ugly sign of Democratic disarray as the Michigan race tightens.
Democratic Senate nominee Dr. Abdul El-Sayed and Rep. Haley Stevens, who lost the August primary by a narrow margin, are at odds over a Sunday church service in Detroit that was supposed to showcase party unity, but instead is revealing just how fractured Democrats remain. The event, organized by Rep. Debbie Dingell of Michigan and Rep. James E. Clyburn of South Carolina, was expected to feature Dr. El-Sayed, Rep. Stevens, Rep. Clyburn and Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield, followed by a march to the Detroit Election Department.
Rep. Stevens said she had not been told she was unwelcome, but Dr. El-Sayed’s campaign has asked her to stay away. An adviser to Rep. Clyburn, Antjuan Seawright, rejected the notion that Dr. El-Sayed could cancel Stevens’ invitation, stating, "> This is not Abdul’s event. The invitation still stands." The spat makes the Democratic operation look disorganized and petty at a moment when it should be focused on winning.
Ms. Dingell, who had previously confirmed both candidates’ participation, has not responded to requests for comment. Polls show Dr. El-Sayed in a close contest with Republican nominee Mike Rogers, a race that could determine Senate control and make clear how competitive Michigan has become.
The dispute stems in part from differing positions on Israel; Stevens is a strong supporter, while Dr. El-Sayed has been critical of Israeli policy. Their rivalry intensified after Stevens criticized Dr. El-Sayed’s outreach to Black and Jewish voters and questioned his response to a debate question about Iran versus Israel, adding to concerns among many voters about divisive politics inside the Democratic Party.
Stevens issued a statement demanding Dr. El-Sayed apologize for an online ad she described as antisemitic. Dr. El-Sayed replied that Stevens appears intent on “relitigating a primary that ended three months ago” and urged her to focus on the election.
Stevens’ fiancé, Jason Turkish, a Jewish lawyer, has publicly endorsed Rogers, citing Dr. El-Sayed’s stance on Israel. He said he plans to attend the church service but has not confirmed whether he will join Stevens.
The disagreement leaves the planned joint appearance in doubt, with both sides maintaining their positions as the final weekend of the campaign approaches, leaving Democrats mired in public infighting while Rogers benefits from the spectacle.