Representative Haley Stevens of Michigan has escalated her criticism of Dr. Abdul El-Sayed following their August Democratic primary defeat. Stevens confronted El-Sayed after he dodged a question about Iran and Israel during a recent Senate debate, calling him a gifted orator but questioning his refusal to answer. Since the debate, Stevens has given increasingly critical cable interviews, demanding El-Sayed publicly disavow an online ad from his allies that she deems antisemitic.
The ad allegedly blamed U.S. support for Israel for high grocery prices. El-Sayed pushed back, asserting that Stevens seems intent on relitigating a primary that ended three months ago. Their previously warm relationship, sealed at a party unity brunch, has cooled significantly.
While Representatives Debbie Dingell and James E. Clyburn brokered a Sunday church service appearance in Detroit, the event's status is now uncertain. Stevens expressed doubt about her invitation, noting El-Sayed's team did not contact her on Friday.
Both candidates remain locked in a close race against Republican nominee Mike Rogers, with polls showing El-Sayed neck-and-neck. The feud highlights deep resistance among moderate Democrats and Jewish voters to El-Sayed's candidacy. Mallory McMorrow, a fellow Michigan Democrat, publicly questioned Stevens' actions, stating the party must recognize the stakes of the tight Senate race.
Source: New York Times Top Stories · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing