Michigan Jews split over El-Sayed and Stevens feud

Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed and his former primary rival, Rep. Haley Stevens, are at odds over Israel-related remarks, deepening tensions with Jewish voters ahead of the midterm elections.

Stevens, who represents a Jewish-majority district, criticized El-Sayed for not condemning a PAC ad that blamed Israel for rising grocery prices. The ad, funded by Rebellion PAC, was not directly addressed by El-Sayed.

El-Sayed responded by accusing Stevens of re-litigating a past primary race and claimed he had already defeated outside spending, including from AIPAC, on her behalf. He did not mention the Uygur ad or another campaign ad featuring Tucker Carlson.

Stevens’ fiancé, Jason Turkish, stated he would vote for Republican nominee Mike Rogers, adding to concerns among Jewish voters about El-Sayed’s stance. Stevens also mentioned considering converting to Judaism after their wedding.

Stevens highlighted that El-Sayed had previously used rhetoric linking Israel to Michigan’s financial struggles, calling the PAC ad a dramatization of his own claims. She urged El-Sayed to distance himself from such arguments.

El-Sayed condemned a separate comment from Hasan Piker, a former campaign ally, who compared Jewish Detroit suburbs to a 'KKK neighborhood.' El-Sayed called the comparison 'utterly inappropriate and flat-out wrong.'

Republicans are capitalizing on the Democratic feud, with Republican nominee Mike Rogers appealing to Jewish voters who supported Stevens. Former President Donald Trump criticized Jews who back El-Sayed, drawing backlash from Jewish leaders.