The Michigan Senate race between Democratic nominee Abdul el Sayed and Republican Mike Rogers is being impacted by a bitter primary feud within the Democratic Party. Former rival Rep. Haley Stevens, who lost to el Sayed in August, has continued to challenge his positions on Israel, causing tension within the party.
El Sayed's campaign has asked Stevens to stay away from his remaining events, which threatens efforts to unite Democrats behind their nominee. The feud has resurfaced just days before the election, despite efforts by prominent Democrats such as former President Barack Obama, Sen.
Bernie Sanders, and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to present a united front. The divisions left over from the primary are giving Republicans an opportunity to shift attention from their own shortcomings. Campaign expert Michael Fahey noted that the timing of the feud couldn't be worse, as it is distracting from the election and potentially harming the Democrats' chances.
The latest confrontation between el Sayed and Stevens centers on a planned appearance with Rep. Jim Clyburn, which Stevens was asked to skip due to the ongoing feud. El Sayed has resisted Stevens's demands, arguing that the primary is over and Democrats should focus on defeating Rogers.