Haley Stevens and Abdul El-Sayed clash over Israel ad
Stakes in the Michigan Senate Toss-Up
The public sparring unfolds four days before voters head to the polls to choose between El-Sayed and Republican candidate Mike Rogers in a race rated as a toss-up by the nonpartisan Cook Political Report. The seat is a critical battleground in the broader fight for control of Congress. Tensions escalated Friday when Stevens and El-Sayed released competing statements regarding outside political spending, campaign advertisements, and the war in Gaza.
Stevens, a Democrat from Michigan who lost to El-Sayed in a bitter August primary, stated that she expects El-Sayed to formally condemn an ad produced by an outside progressive group, Rebellion PAC. Stevens called the ad antisemitic, pointing to its framing in a grocery store that suggests Israel and the conflict in Gaza are responsible for rising consumer prices in America. “This ad tells Michigan families they cannot afford groceries because their money has to be set aside for ‘killing Palestinians,’ and it blames our close ally Israel for everything Michiganders cannot afford,” Stevens said in her statement. She added that she expects El-Sayed to apologize for his own campaign statements regarding affordability and foreign policy.
New @RebellionPac ad dropping in Michigan. We have to suffer here at home, so Israel can get all its wars. That’s why they buy politicians like Mike Rogers. He promised to serve Israel “unconditionally,” but never made that promise to you. pic.twitter.com/mtgVOyNczg
El-Sayed’s campaign is not affiliated with Rebellion PAC and previously distanced itself from the group’s ad. In his Friday response, El-Sayed accused Stevens of attempting to relitigate a primary election that concluded three months ago. He maintained that his platform remains centered on health care and economic affordability. “That focus is why our people-powered campaign defeated a historic $70M in outside spending from big corporations and AIPAC on behalf of Congresswoman Stevens,” El-Sayed said, referencing support from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee during the primary contest.
Contested Advertisements and Party Reactions
The dispute extends beyond the Rebellion PAC spot. Stevens also called on El-Sayed to remove one of his own campaign advertisements featuring right-wing commentator Tucker Carlson, citing respect for Michigan’s Black community. Meanwhile, Stevens faced friction within her own household and political circle. Earlier in the week, her fiancé, Jason Turkish, told The Detroit News that he intended to vote for Rogers, the Republican nominee. During a Wednesday interview on CNN, Stevens affirmed her support for the Democratic ticket while emphasizing the need to address voter concerns. “Of course I’m voting for our Democratic nominee for Senate,” Stevens said. “I’m voting for the Democratic ticket. But I want to encourage this campaign to shut out the hate and to call it out and to make people who are in my coalition, make them feel comfortable about coming to the polls.”
Other prominent Michigan Democrats expressed frustration over the timing of the feud. State Sen. Mallory McMorrow criticized Stevens’ public comments during a CNN appearance on Friday, stating, “First of all, I have no idea what the hell Haley Stevens is doing. Rep. Debbie Dingell sought to downplay the discord during an appearance on NBC News’ “Meet the Press NOW,” noting that she helped broker the joint appearance with senior Democratic leader Rep. Jim Clyburn.”
Uncertainty Ahead of Sunday’s Scheduled Rally
The exchange threatens to overshadow the planned Sunday event in Detroit, where Stevens and El-Sayed had agreed to appear alongside Clyburn in a show of party reconciliation. It remains unclear whether Friday’s statements will force a cancellation or alteration of the schedule. Representatives for both Stevens and El-Sayed did not respond to inquiries regarding whether the two politicians still plan to appear together at the weekend event.
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… pic.twitter.com/y8BRiV9odX
More on Haley Stevens
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McMorrow: "First of all, I have no idea what the hell Haley Stevens is doing. This is a moment where we have to recognize the stakes." pic.twitter.com/dRIqFqZwa9
Haley Stevens calls on El-Sayed to apologize for past statements about IsraelFormer West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin discusses Rep. Haley Stevens, D-Mich., urging former primary rival and Michigan Democratic U.S. Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed to apologize for past statements…
🚨 MICHIGAN DEMOCRATS TURN ON EACH OTHER DAYS BEFORE ELECTION — EL-SAYED CAMPAIGN TELLS HALEY STEVENS TO STAY AWAYMichigan Democrats are publicly fighting over Israel, campaign messaging and party loyalty just four days before Election Day.Democratic Senate nominee Abdul… pic.twitter.com/qcXWVd4EFH