Abdul El-Sayed’s campaign disinvites Haley Stevens from events to limit ‘distractions’

Democratic tensions have escalated in Michigan's tight Senate race as candidate Abdul El-Sayed asked Congresswoman Haley Stevens to refrain from attending his campaign events. El-Sayed stated, "I don’t want any distractions," during a campaign rally, according to the New York Times. The two had initially planned to co-host a church service in Detroit, but the rift between the progressive El-Sayed and the moderate Stevens has become public.

Stevens had endorsed El-Sayed after his primary victory in August but has avoided public appearances with him since criticizing him for weeks. Stevens’ fiancé campaigned for the Republican candidate, Mike Rogers. El-Sayed responded to Stevens' demand for him to address an outside group's ad criticizing support for Israel's war in Gaza, insisting, "Let’s all focus on the task at hand: that’s beating Mike Rogers, holding Trump accountable, and getting money out of politics, putting money in pockets, and passing Medicare for All."

The political fallout worries Democrats, as the race is critical for the party to gain control of the Senate. Michigan state senator Mallory McMorrow expressed frustration, saying, "I have no idea what the hell Haley Stevens is doing." The focus of the conversation has shifted from political ads and Stevens to the cost of living, with people discussing gas and grocery prices.