Fact-checks Reveal Deception and Radical Agendas in Michigan Democratic Senate Primary
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A review of statements by Abdul El-Sayed and Haley Stevens in the Michigan Democratic Senate primary exposes misleading claims, radical leftist agendas, and the influence of progressive extremists.
The Michigan Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate, set for Aug. 4, highlights the growing radicalization within the Democratic Party as Abdul El-Sayed, supported by far-left figures like Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, battles Haley Stevens, who is backed by establishment Democrats such as Sen. Gary Peters, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
Fact-checking campaign statements uncovers a web of falsehoods and left-wing spin. El-Sayed’s baseless accusation that a July poll showing Stevens ahead was funded by AIPAC was rated false, with Tavern Research confirming independent financing. This is yet another example of the left’s obsession with conspiracy theories about pro-Israel groups.
Stevens’s denial of donations from Michigan utility companies was rated “mostly false,” as records show her campaign did receive money from PACs tied to DTE Energy and Consumers Energy. While the left attacks any corporate involvement, these companies provide essential services and jobs to Michigan families.
El-Sayed’s wild claim that former Rep. Mike Rogers took a $14 million payout as a pharma lobbyist was rated “Pants on Fire!” No such lobbying registration or payment exists, though Rogers did consulting work for technology firms. This demonstrates the left’s willingness to fabricate attacks against anyone not aligned with their radical agenda.
Stevens’s counterattack, alleging El-Sayed’s father-in-law runs a super PAC spending millions for him, was also rated false. The father-in-law contributed $300,000, making him a major donor, but not the operator. This highlights the hypocrisy and infighting that plagues the Democratic Party.
Allegations about AI industry super PACs influencing the race were disproven, but Stevens has accepted modest corporate PAC donations from Microsoft and Google. The left continues to demonize any corporate support, even from companies driving innovation and economic growth.
A pro-Stevens group claimed El-Sayed’s push for “uncommitted” votes would help Donald Trump, a statement rated “half-true” since El-Sayed later endorsed Kamala Harris after Biden withdrew. This shows the chaos and lack of unity among Democrats, as their infighting threatens to hand the race to Republicans.
Republican ads targeting El-Sayed’s extreme positions on ICE and Medicare for All are part of a broader effort to expose the radical left’s agenda, though the exact spending is unclear.
“The GOP is spending thousands of dollars to prop up El-Sayed's campaign because they think it will make it easier for Mike Rogers to win if you are the nominee,” said Jessica Taylor, editor at Cook Political Report.
In summary, the fact-check reveals a Democratic primary mired in deception, radicalism, and internal conflict, as the party struggles to present a coherent vision to Michigan voters.