Fetterman says El-Sayed could jeopardize Democratic hold on Michigan Senate seat
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Senator John Fetterman warned that Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed's positions and campaign alliances may endanger the party's chances in the upcoming Michigan Senate race.
Senator John Fetterman warned Friday that Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed could put the party’s Michigan Senate seat at risk. Fetterman, speaking to The Washington Post, said El-Sayed’s opposition to U.S. military aid for Israel and his association with far-left streamer Hasan Piker were “very deeply anti-Israel” and could alienate voters.
El-Sayed, who defeated establishment-backed Rep. Haley Stevens in a primary that cost more than $80 million, will face former Republican Rep. Mike Rogers for the seat currently held by retiring Sen. Gary Peters. The race is among several that will determine control of the Senate.
The Republican National Committee criticized El-Sayed’s ties to Piker, labeling the candidate a “terrorist sympathizer.” RNC spokesperson Natalie Baldassarre said Democrats have failed to distance themselves from extremist views.
El-Sayed has acknowledged he does not share all of Piker’s positions but has resisted calls to cut ties. He told Fox News Digital that he hopes to unite primary voters behind his campaign against Rogers.
Fetterman challenged El-Sayed to continue campaigning with Piker, suggesting it would expose the limits of the Democratic “echo chamber.” Former Senate colleague Sen. Gary Peters, who supported Stevens in the primary, said El-Sayed’s policy differences with Rogers could help him win.
The dispute intensified after a Washington Post clip showed El-Sayed criticizing Fetterman’s approach to Midwestern politics. Both candidates exchanged remarks about each other’s campaign style, but no further comment was received from the parties involved.