Michigan Senate Race Split by Internal Friction

Democratic unity in Michigan has fractured again with less than a week remaining until the November 3 general election.

The party remains divided over its nominee, Abdul El-Sayed, whose campaign faces ongoing scrutiny from traditional allies. Critics argue that internal disagreements are threatening to overshadow the primary’s outcome.

Tensions escalated on Wednesday when Jason Turkish, the fiancé of former primary opponent Rep. Haley Stevens, told The Detroit News he would vote for the Republican candidate, Mike Rogers.

Stevens responded on CNN hours later, confirming she would still support El-Sayed. She urged the campaign to address grievances directly, stating, "Make people who are in my coalition, right, make them feel comfortable about coming to the polls."

Concerns within Michigan’s large Jewish community stem from El-Sayed’s past remarks on Israel and his association with streamer Hasan Piker. The latest flashpoint was an advertisement by independent left-wing group Rebellion PAC that linked U.S. support for Israel to rising grocery prices.

El-Sayed stated the ad "has nothing to do with our campaign" and is not what he wants to discuss. However, Stevens and other Democrats pushed him to denounce the ad’s content more explicitly rather than just distancing himself from it.

Rabbi Aaron Starr of Congregation Shaarey Zedek in Southfield said the political temperature has risen sharply in the final week. He noted that conditions have worsened over the past seven weeks instead of improving, citing both the PAC ad and El-Sayed’s own campaign materials.

The Republican side faces its own headwinds, including voter dissatisfaction with President Donald Trump and the Iran war. Rogers has maintained a close alignment with the president, appearing at a Michigan rally on Sunday where he credited Trump for bringing manufacturing jobs to the state.

El-Sayed has targeted these frustrations by campaigning in heavily Republican areas, including the Upper Peninsula. His team released an ad featuring clips of conservative figures praising him, such as Tucker Carlson, who has denied accusations of antisemitism.

This outreach strategy has introduced new friction with some Jewish voters. The race now hinges on whether widespread frustration with the Republican Party will outweigh the visible divisions within the Democratic coalition.