Abdul El-Sayed bars fellow Democrat Haley Stevens from remaining campaign events before election
WASHINGTON, DC: Michigan Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed has asked Rep Haley Stevens, his former primary rival, to stay away from his remaining campaign events in the final days before Tuesday’s election, according to multiple people familiar with the matter.
The move is reported after days of public clashes between the two Democrats over Israel, campaign advertisements and El-Sayed’s political positions.
El-Sayed moves to keep Stevens away after public dispute over Israel
El-Sayed’s campaign communicated that Stevens was not welcome at its remaining events, according to two people familiar with the situation. The decision came after the congresswoman called on the Democratic nominee to apologise for comments he made during the campaign about Israel and its impact on Michigan’s public services.
In a statement released on Friday, October 30, Stevens said that El-Sayed had suggested that "Israel is the reason Michigan cannot afford schools, health care, and child care." She added, "Abdul promises to get money out of politics," Stevens said in the statement. "He can begin by getting Israel out of his explanation for everything Michigan cannot afford."
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
Stevens also demanded that El-Sayed condemn a digital advertisement funded by the outside progressive group Rebellion PAC. The video features a couple in a grocery store discussing the cost of eggs and saying they need to put a carton back because "we have to set that $7 aside for killing Palestinians." The advertisement then criticises billions of dollars in US military assistance to Israel.
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
El-Sayed’s campaign has said it was not affiliated "in any way" with the advertisement. When asked about it by reporters the next day after a rally in Sterling Heights, El-Sayed said that “you guys love to play the condemn game," adding, "I've already been clear that that ad was not made by me, and I do not agree with the contents of that ad."
Stevens also called on him to take down his own advertisement featuring far-right podcaster and former Fox News host Tucker Carlson.
https://t.co/NEd1uijz11
— Dr. Abdul El-Sayed (@AbdulElSayed) October 30, 2026
El-Sayed responded to Stevens’ criticism in a statement as well, saying she "seems intent on relitigating a primary that ended three months ago." He also urged Democrats to focus on defeating Republican nominee Mike Rogers, holding President Donald Trump accountable and getting money out of politics.
Planned Detroit unity event uncertain as Democrats warn of election stakes
The latest dispute has complicated efforts by Democratic lawmakers to bring the former rivals together before Election Day. Stevens had said she planned to appear with El-Sayed and Rep Jim Clyburn of South Carolina at a church in Detroit on Sunday. Representatives Debbie Dingell and Clyburn had worked to arrange the joint appearance as a show of unity after the candidates' public disagreements.
However, Stevens was not listed among the speakers in the published schedule for the event. Clyburn said that he had "no idea" whether she would attend.
The tensions have extended beyond the two candidates. Stevens’ fiancé, Jason Turkish, said earlier in the week that he planned to vote for Rogers, citing El-Sayed’s positions on Israel. Stevens, however, told CNN that she would vote for El-Sayed, describing the situation as a "household divided" while urging his campaign "to shut out the hate and to call it out."
