DETROIT (AP) — Michigan U.S. Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed stated on Tuesday that he aims to unify Democrats during Vice President Kamala Harris' campaign stop in Detroit. This visit comes after a contentious primary earlier this year and a narrow defeat for Democrats in the 2024 presidential election in Michigan. "We're building an electoral coalition here," El-Sayed said, discussing economic issues ahead of his appearance with Harris.
El-Sayed, who identifies as a progressive, addressed his differences with Harris regarding the Biden administration's military aid to Israel, where he has characterized Israel's actions in Gaza as genocide against Palestinians. This stance resonates with many voters in Michigan's Arab American community and aligns with progressive voters who previously withheld support from Harris.
El-Sayed emphasized the need for unity, stating, "That election ended where it did because we could not find the places of agreement to be able to bring people together or move in the direction that we need to move," highlighting their shared goal of assisting economically struggling voters.
Harris remains popular among Black voters, a key demographic in Detroit, who previously favored El-Sayed's primary opponent, Rep. Haley Stevens. El-Sayed noted that Harris' participation in a roundtable on Black maternal health and her engagement with the Detroit chapter of the NAACP is crucial for consolidating support as he competes against Republican Mike Rogers.
"Her presence here speaking to communities that were really empowered by her voice throughout her political career, I think will help us to continue to bring our coalition together," El-Sayed stated.
The upcoming election against Rogers, a former congressman, is significant for determining Senate control during the final two years of Trump's presidency. If Democrats retain the seat vacated by Sen. Gary Peters, they would still need to secure at least four additional Republican-held seats to gain a majority. A victory for Rogers would complicate the Democrats' path to maintaining control.
Rogers' campaign criticized Harris' visit, suggesting it indicates weakness for the Democrats. "Abdul is so desperate that he's parachuting Kamala Harris into Michigan to save his flailing campaign," said Alyssa Brouillet, a spokesperson for Rogers.
Rogers has been actively campaigning in Detroit, aiming to attract support from voters who may be hesitant to back El-Sayed. Black voters are considered crucial, especially as El-Sayed faces challenges among white Jewish voters who typically support Democrats.
Barry Goodman, a Democratic National Committee member, remarked that many Jewish voters in Michigan are apprehensive about their Senate options, stating, "Jews in Michigan are currently scared" by the candidates. Goodman, who supported Stevens in the primary, noted that some Jewish Democrats feel compelled to vote for El-Sayed despite reservations.
El-Sayed has sought to moderate his stance on Israel and Gaza, apologizing for past controversial remarks and expressing commitment to Jewish safety.
Harris' visit comes amid speculation regarding her potential candidacy for the presidency in 2028. Michigan is set to hold an important presidential primary in the revised Democratic National Committee calendar. It remains uncertain whether Harris will address her previous statements on Israel during this trip, but her collaboration with El-Sayed is significant given her past tensions with the party's left wing.
Harris has indicated she is not in a hurry to announce her 2028 plans, but she has scheduled campaign appearances in Nevada and Georgia, which are also critical states ahead of the upcoming election.