El-Sayed Gains Endorsements Amid Polling Challenges
This week, Abdul El-Sayed, a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate in Michigan, received endorsements from former New York congressman Jamal Bowman and current New Jersey Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman. This comes as polls indicate he is significantly trailing behind U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens among black voters, with the primary approaching on August 4.
El-Sayed announced Bowman’s support on Sunday, followed by Watson Coleman’s endorsement on Monday. Both are notable figures in the Democratic Party, highlighting the challenges El-Sayed faces in the race.
Bowman, in his remarks, aimed criticism at Stevens, stating, “Haley Stevens is politicking, pandering and tokenizing Black voters.” He called on Michigan Democrats to back El-Sayed.
In a somewhat controversial incident in 2023, Bowman was accused of triggering a fire alarm in the Capitol during a key government funding vote. He lost in the subsequent primary elections, leading to his departure from Congress. He added that El-Sayed “deeply respects Barack Obama and Michelle Obama,” although Obama has not made any endorsements in Michigan’s race.
This sentiment rings familiar, as El-Sayed’s campaign has similarly accused his opponents of attempting to “tokenize Black voters” or deceive them.
El-Sayed also shared Watson Coleman’s video appeal, where she highlighted his strong stance on issues like the abolition of ICE and the push for Medicare for All.
The context for these endorsements is concerning for El-Sayed, as he trails Stevens by a substantial margin among black voters—about 46 points. Conversely, he does hold a 12-point lead among white voters. Stevens is supported by the Congressional Black Caucus PAC, and Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer endorsed her recently.
El-Sayed attributed this voter gap to outside influences, specifically mentioning spending by PACs associated with AIPAC focused on black voters. He insisted that his connections and discussions are deeply rooted in his collaborations with black leaders across Detroit, Wayne County, and Flint.
These endorsements appear timely, especially after a recent rally in Detroit, which, despite being in a predominantly black city, had a visibly white audience. Notable attendees included Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Rep. Jim Clyburn, who is aligned with Stevens, remarked on the rally’s demographic, stating, “I saw the rally, and I didn’t see anyone who looked like me. That tells me everything I need to know.”
