Michigan Democrats Face Internal Divisions After El-Sayed Primary Win
Michigan Democrats struggle to unify after a divisive Senate primary, with disputes over Israel and a controversial streamer complicating their November strategy.
A gathering of Democrats in a key West Michigan congressional district this week was intended to focus on the cost of living under President Donald Trump. Instead, the conversation quickly turned to internal party strife, highlighting the challenges facing the party as it looks toward the November elections.
At the event, one attendee publicly criticized U.S. Rep. Hillary Scholten for not supporting Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed, accusing her of prioritizing other issues over the economic future of the region. The exchange underscores a broader tension: while party leaders see economic concerns as a winning issue, internal divisions are proving to be a distraction.
The friction is particularly acute in Michigan following El-Sayed's primary victory over U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens. Disagreements over Israel, antisemitism, and El-Sayed's association with online commentator Hasan Piker have complicated efforts to turn the party's attention toward Republican opponent Mike Rogers.
Scholten, along with some other Democrats, has withheld her endorsement of El-Sayed for now. She said it is up to the top of the ticket to unify the party. Michigan state Rep. Jeremy Moss has also withheld his support. Attorney General Dana Nessel, who is Jewish, has said El-Sayed should not make excuses for domestic terrorism, referencing a video statement he made after an attack on a synagogue.
Some Democrats outside Michigan have been more critical. New Jersey Rep. Josh Gottheimer said he would not support El-Sayed, citing his views toward Jewish Americans. El-Sayed, who would be the first Muslim senator, has denounced antisemitism while criticizing Israel's military operations in Gaza.
A particular flashpoint has been El-Sayed's appearances with Piker, a popular streamer with a history of controversial remarks. Piker recently argued against the idea that opposing Israel is antisemitic, suggesting that Jewish institutions teaching that Jews are monolithic could be dangerous. His comments drew swift backlash, with Sen. Cory Booker calling the language dangerous and antisemitic.
Piker rejected that interpretation, saying he was warning that associating American Jews broadly with Israel's actions could fuel antisemitism. He said he did not regret his remarks and that he serves as a platform for people's anger.
Republicans see an opportunity in the ongoing dispute. Strategist Jason Roe noted that Democrats are in a difficult position, as embracing or distancing from Piker both present challenges.
Democrats who have rallied behind El-Sayed are eager to move on. Rep. Debbie Dingell said she is done discussing Piker, emphasizing that it is not what November is about. Rep. Jamie Raskin described the party as a big, sometimes unruly family that will come together in the end.
Michigan Democrats are set to gather this weekend for a convention in Lansing to finalize the ticket. Ahead of the convention, party leaders sent a letter stating that disruptive behavior will not be tolerated. El-Sayed expressed frustration with the continued focus on Piker, saying the campaign is about more than a streamer in California, but acknowledged that some are still nursing wounds from the primary.