Michigan feud threatens Democratic unity in key Senate race - Financial Times

Michigan feud threatens Democratic unity in key Senate race

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US midterm elections 2026

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Michigan feud threatens Democratic unity in key Senate race

Abdul El-Sayed disinvites former primary rival Haley Stevens from campaign event amid war of words over Israel

!Abdul El-Sayed speaks at a campaign rally, gesturing with his hand to his chest as microphones are held towards him

*Abdul El-Sayed speaks at a campaign rally in Sterling Heights, Michigan on Saturday © Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP*

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James Politi in Washington

PublishedOctober 31 2026

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Democratic unity appeared to be faltering in the key Midwestern Senate battleground of Michigan after a feud broke out between progressive candidate Abdul El-Sayed and his moderate former primary rival Haley Stevens.

The intraparty tensions in Michigan boiled over with just days to go before Tuesday’s midterm elections, spoiling Democratic attempts to maintain solidarity between its ideological factions as the party looks to deliver a sharp rebuke to US President Donald Trump.

Michigan is a crucial state for the control of the upper chamber of Congress. Democrats are defending a seat against Republican challenger Mike Rogers, with polls showing an exceedingly tight race.

El-Sayed emerged as the winner of a bitter primary race against Stevens in August, but the pair have struggled to project a common front against Rogers in the midterms election.

El-Sayed and Stevens were supposed to campaign together on Sunday, but the Democratic candidate asked Stevens not to attend after she criticised him for failing to condemn an ad by his supporters that suggested high grocery prices were driven by US military support for Israel.

“I’ve already been clear that that ad was not made by me and I do n