El-Sayed comes under fire for 'ogre on a pike' leaked comment
The Michigan Senate candidate saw immediate backlash from within his own party amid a tense primary that has divided progressives and moderate Democrats.
Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed is facing criticism from within his own party after controversial remarks made during a recent donor meeting. According to audio from the meeting, El-Sayed stated, "If I win... well y'all came at me so now I get to come at you," suggesting he could primary opponents like John Fetterman.
He later added, "Ideally you put one ogre on a pike, and then everyone else gets the message." The comparison to putting someone on a pike has been widely condemned as violent and vulgar. Several Democrats, including Rep. Hillary Scholten, have criticized El-Sayed's comments, stating that political violence has no place in a democratic electoral contest.
Some interpreted El-Sayed's remarks as an attack on the Democratic Party, with gun violence prevention activist Fred Guttenberg urging supporters to support his primary opponent, Rep. Haley Stevens. Fetterman, who has been mocked for his physical appearance, received the "ogre" moniker from a failed Republican candidate, Kari Lake.
El-Sayed's campaign has defended his remarks, stating he was speaking metaphorically about supporting a primary against Fetterman. The primary between El-Sayed and Stevens has been marked by accusations of sexism, with some Democrats questioning the tone of the race. The results of the Aug. 4 primary could have significant implications for the Democratic Party's future direction ahead of the 2028 presidential election.
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