Abdul El-Sayed’s campaign said it raised more than $2.4 million in one day, a record for the final stretch of Michigan’s Senate race.
The campaign said Sunday’s donations came from more than 65,000 people, with an average contribution of $36.74. Nearly 29,600 donors were giving for the first time.
The surge followed Rep. Haley Stevens’ endorsement of Republican nominee Mike Rogers on Sunday. Stevens, a more moderate candidate, lost the Democratic primary to El-Sayed earlier this year, after a contentious campaign.
Stevens said she remains a proud Democrat who loves Michigan, but said she could not support El-Sayed, pointing to his association with political streamer Hasan Piker. In a video posted on social media, she said El-Sayed had told her she was no longer welcome in his campaign, adding that she was endorsing Rogers.
The decision drew sharp criticism from fellow Democrats. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called it a “despicable betrayal” and said Senate Democrats remained united behind El-Sayed. Michigan Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel accused Stevens of abandoning the causes she says she supports.
El-Sayed dismissed the endorsement on Sunday, telling reporters he was focused on voters and policy rather than Stevens or Rogers.
In recent months, El-Sayed has also tried to distance himself from Piker as the streamer has drawn more national attention and scrutiny over controversial remarks, including antisemitic comments and the claim that “America deserved 9/11.”
