Brief
El‑Sayed and Stevens trade barbs over Israel comments ahead of Michigan Senate showdown
The feud highlights divergent views on foreign aid and campaign tactics as the primary race tightens.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Michigan Democratic Senate hopeful Abdul El‑Sayed and his primary rival Rep. Haley Stevens exchanged sharp criticisms on Friday, days before a scheduled joint appearance at a Detroit church on Sunday.
What happened
El‑Sayed accused Stevens of trying to "re‑litigate" a primary that ended three months ago, according to his Friday statement. Stevens responded by demanding an apology for El‑Sayed’s claim that "Israel is the reason Michigan cannot afford schools, health care, and child care." She also urged him to denounce a Rebellion PAC ad she described as antisemitic, which links everyday expenses to U.S. military aid for Israel.
What the reports add
The CBS report notes that Stevens also called on El‑Sayed to remove his own ad featuring far‑right podcaster Tucker Carlson. It adds that the Rebellion PAC video shows a couple in a grocery store discussing setting aside $7 for "killing Palestinians" and lamenting U.S. military support for Israel. El‑Sayed’s campaign said it had no affiliation with the Rebellion PAC ad.
What was said
"He can begin by getting Israel out of his explanation for everything Michigan cannot afford," Stevens said in her statement. El‑Sayed replied that Stevens "seems intent on relitigating a primary that ended three months ago." Both candidates said they would still appear together on Sunday, though Stevens’ announcement mentioned South Carolina Rep. Jim Clyburn while El‑Sayed’s did not reference her.
How it came about
The dispute follows weeks of heated debate, including El‑Sayed’s criticism of U.S. aid to Israel during an Oct. 8 debate (see Felo coverage) and earlier attacks on each other’s campaign ads. Stevens’ fiancé, Jason Turkish, told the Detroit News he would vote for Republican Mike Rogers, while Stevens later said in a CNN interview she would vote for El‑Sayed, describing her household as "divided."
Key facts
- El‑Sayed accused Stevens of trying to reopen the primary contest. (cbsnews.com)
- Stevens demanded an apology for El‑Sayed’s claim linking Israel to Michigan’s budget shortfalls. (cbsnews.com)
- Both candidates plan to appear together at a Detroit church on Sunday. (cbsnews.com)
Sources
- [1] cbsnews.com — originally reported as “Abdul El-Sayed and Haley Stevens feud ahead of key Michigan Senate race”
