Abdul El-Sayed participated in DSA events even though he distanced himself from the socialist label

Abdul El-Sayed’s Political Connections and Claims

Abdul El-Sayed, a candidate for the Michigan Senate, has a history of participating in events organized by the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), despite claiming he isn’t a socialist. From 2017 to 2020, he attended and even spoke at six DSA events, including a fundraiser in 2019 where he was the main speaker. Notably, he has rejected labeling himself a “socialist” during media interviews.

“I am not technically or factually a DSA,” El-Sayed remarked to The Wall Street Journal earlier this month, reinforcing his stance in a CNN interview with: “I’m not a socialist. I believe in capitalism. I just believe that capitalism has to be regulated.”

While he tries to distance himself from the DSA, the organization has indicated their close ties. At a fundraiser in 2019, they referred to him as a “long-time friend of Detroit DSA.” Photos from the event show him alongside designated socialist lawmakers, even posing next to a provocative poster that depicted the DSA strangling the word “capitalism.”

His first recorded appearance at a DSA event occurred during his 2017 gubernatorial campaign in Michigan. Subsequently, he attended DSA gatherings focusing on issues like Medicare for All and the Green New Deal.

Interestingly, El-Sayed will compete against U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens in the upcoming Democratic primary, raising speculation that his distancing from the DSA might be a strategic maneuver to attract Michigan’s somewhat divided voters. Despite this distancing, he still garners support from self-identified socialists.

Notably, Sen. Bernie Sanders endorsed El-Sayed when he launched his campaign for the Senate seat, echoing his previous support during El-Sayed’s gubernatorial run. In a discussion with Politico, El-Sayed mentioned that he aligns with many DSA-backed policies, yet he maintains a capitalist perspective.

“You don’t have to be a socialist to believe that big business shouldn’t be able to give us a dime or two at every turn,” he told reporter Dasha Burns. He emphasized that it’s possible to advocate for healthcare and regulation of large corporations without aligning fully with socialism, suggesting he seeks a balanced approach in political dialogue.

Interestingly, El-Sayed and his wife reported a combined income of $686,069 in 2025, and he possesses an extensive collection of luxury watches, hinting at his financial success.