Michigan Senate Candidate Abdul El-Sayed Sets Fundraising Record Following Rival Endorsement Controversy

Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed's campaign announced it raised more than $2.4 million in a single day, establishing a fundraising record during the final stages of the Michigan race. According to the campaign, Sunday's financial total arrived from more than 65,000 contributors, with an average donation of $36.74, while nearly 29,600 individuals made contributions for the first time.

The financial surge followed Representative Haley Stevens endorsing Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers on Sunday. Stevens, who competed as an establishment candidate against El-Sayed in the primary earlier this year, stated in a social media video that she could not support El-Sayed. She pointed to El-Sayed's backing from political streamer Hasan Piker as her reason, noting that the Democratic nominee had previously stated she was not welcome in his campaign.

Stevens maintained that she remains a proud Democrat who loves Michigan, despite choosing to back the Trump-backed Republican nominee. In recent months, El-Sayed has attempted to distance himself from Piker amid increased scrutiny regarding the streamer's controversial remarks, which include antisemitic statements and past comments about the September 11 attacks.

The endorsement prompted sharp rebukes from party leadership. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer characterized the decision as a despicable betrayal, affirming that the Senate Democratic caucus remains unified behind El-Sayed. Michigan Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel similarly condemned the move, asserting that Stevens had abandoned her stated principles.

Campaign spokesperson Cole Wozniak stated that momentum behind El-Sayed's campaign had reached new heights as voters headed to the polls. Addressing reporters on Sunday, El-Sayed minimized the endorsement controversy, stating that he does not focus on Stevens or Rogers and remains concentrated on voters and policy issues.