Abdul El-Sayed and Haley Stevens clash over Israel aid ad days before Michigan Senate election
WASHINGTON, DC: Michigan Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed on Friday, October 30, hit back at Rep Haley Stevens after the congresswoman demanded that he condemn a controversial advertisement and apologize for previous remarks about US support for Israel, despite agreeing to campaign alongside him before Election Day.
El-Sayed has, in return, accused Stevens of reopening their bitter primary contest instead of focusing on defeating Republican nominee Mike Rogers. The exchange has renewed tensions between the former rivals just days before voters decide one of the country's most closely contested Senate races.
Haley Stevens demands apology from Abdul El-Sayed over Israel aid ad
Stevens, who lost the Democratic primary to El-Sayed in August, maintained that she would campaign with him and South Carolina Rep Jim Clyburn on Sunday but called on the nominee to address two advertisements and his previous comments about Israel.
One of her main objections was an advertisement produced by the outside progressive group Rebellion PAC. The commercial, set in a grocery store, depicts a couple discussing the cost of groceries and suggesting that money otherwise available for food is being spent on military assistance to Israel and the war in Gaza.
Abdul El-Sayed blames Israel for the price of your eggs and bananas, even though he knows that higher grocery prices are only due to supply, energy and inflation factors. Shame on anyone voting for a candidate who uses Antisemitic talking points to win an election. https://t.co/pk5lQweZAf
— Joel M. Petlin (@Joelmpetlin) October 25, 2026
The Democratic nominee's campaign also said it was not affiliated "in any way" with the advertisement, adding that “no one speaks for Abdul but himself and his campaign."
Stevens described that advertisement as antisemitic and called on El-Sayed to apologize for his remarks linking US military assistance to Israel with the rising cost of necessities in Michigan.
On the eve of the eve of the eve of our BIG and important election, a unifying moment has arrived, our democratic nominee for U.S Senate disavows the Rebellion PAC ad made by Hasan Piker’s uncle that claims Jews are responsible for America’s economic woes. We have learned from party leaders and emissaries, as reported in the news media that he has. On Sunday I will join with the Great Democratic leader, Jim Clyburn and Dr El Sayed for a church service in the beautiful city of Detroit. The political coalition of Black and Jewish voices that have carried Michigan and this country through so many storms to the righteous path of liberal democracy and equal opportunity for all will ring out. Full statement here:
— Haley Stevens (@HaleyforMI) October 30, 2026
"Abdul promises to get money out of politics," Stevens said in a statement. "He can begin by getting Israel out of his explanation for everything Michigan cannot afford."
Abdul El-Sayed rejects Haley Stevens' characterization, says his campaign is focused on affordability
However, El-Sayed responded by saying that his campaign has focused on affordability, healthcare, and other issues affecting Michigan residents. "Our campaign is and has always been focused on addressing the most critical challenges Michiganders are facing: Skyrocketing gas prices, unaffordable groceries, and the inability to see a doctor," the Senate nominee said.
El-Sayed also pointed to the outside spending during the Democratic primary, writing that his "people-powered campaign defeated a historic $70M in outside spending from big corporations and AIPAC on behalf of Congresswoman Stevens."
https://t.co/NEd1uijz11
— Dr. Abdul El-Sayed (@AbdulElSayed) October 30, 2026
"Now the stakes are even higher-defeating Trump's hand-picked candidate, taking back the Senate, and defending our democracy. That should be the priority for all of us right now," the 41-year-old wrote.
El-Sayed added, “So while Congresswoman Stevens seems intent on relitigating a primary that ended three months ago, let's all focus on the task at hand: that's beating Mike Rogers, holding Trump accountable, and getting money out of politics and passing Medicare for All."
The disagreement has also put renewed attention on whether the former rivals will appear together at their planned event in Detroit this weekend, where Clyburn is also expected to participate. Stevens said that she intended to campaign alongside El-Sayed, although an announcement from his campaign about the event did not mention her.
