Michigan Democrats Trade Blows Days Before Joint Detroit Rally

Michigan voters face a renewed dispute between top Democrats just four days before the general election. Rep. Haley Stevens and U.S. Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed released competing statements on Friday that questioned the timing and tone of their upcoming joint appearance in Detroit.

The conflict centers on an advertisement from Rebellion PAC, an outside progressive group. Stevens called the ad antisemitic, noting it features a grocery store setting and blames Israel for high consumer prices. She stated that the ad tells families their money is being spent on killing Palestinians, which prevents them from buying groceries. Stevens asked El-Sayed to formally condemn the ad and apologize for his own past comments on the issue.

El-Sayed, who is not affiliated with Rebellion PAC, responded by saying Stevens appears intent on relitigating the August primary. He emphasized that his campaign focuses on affordability and health care. He cited the defeat of $70 million in outside spending from big corporations and the American Israeli Public Affairs Committee on behalf of Stevens during the primary as proof of his campaign's strength.

The two politicians are scheduled to headline a rally in Detroit on Sunday alongside Rep. Jim Clyburn of South Carolina. The event was arranged as a sign of reconciliation after their bitter primary contest. Stevens also urged El-Sayed to remove one of his own ads featuring Tucker Carlson, citing respect for Michigan's Black community. Representatives for both campaigns did not confirm whether the Friday statements would alter their plans for the Sunday event.

The race is currently a toss-up according to the Cook Political Report. Voters will choose between El-Sayed and Republican candidate Mike Rogers on Thursday. Other Michigan Democrats have weighed in on the situation. State Sen. Mallory McMorrow criticized Stevens on CNN, questioning her actions during a critical moment for the party. Rep. Debbie Dingell, who helped broker the Sunday event, said on NBC News that many are trying to create controversy. She argued the real discussion should focus on the actions of Congress over the last two years.