Ms. Rachel Backs Abdul El-Sayed in Senate Race
Rachel Griffin Accurso, widely recognized as Ms. Rachel from her children’s YouTube channel and Netflix show, made a $3,000 contribution to Abdul El-Sayed’s Senate campaign in Michigan. This move arrives as the state gears up for a contentious primary.
The donation was logged in a Federal Election Commission (FEC) report dated July 19.
El-Sayed, who has faced considerable backlash for his remarks and positions—including being labeled a “pro-Hamas candidate” by Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania—has sparked controversy with his comments regarding Israel, police funding, and healthcare. He recently referred to Israel as a “rogue state” and accused it of committing genocide.
He has secured endorsements from various progressive figures, including Senators Elizabeth Warren, Chris Van Hollen, and Bernie Sanders, along with House representatives such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ro Khanna, and Rashida Tlaib.
“Abdul El-Sayed and Ms. Rachel are essentially aligned, promoting a socialist and anti-American agenda that influences our children,” remarked Samantha Cantrell, a spokesperson for the National Republican Senatorial Committee. “Parents should be concerned as they head to the polls.”
Sheila Nazarian, a plastic surgeon and Netflix star, echoed this sentiment, stating, “Rachel’s support for El-Sayed is quite disheartening and raises concerns about why someone associated with kindness would support anti-Semitic rhetoric.”
Known for her wholesome content, Ms. Rachel has achieved massive popularity, with over 5 million Instagram followers and more than 20 million on YouTube. Her Netflix series ranked as the seventh most-watched program in the first half of 2025, leading the children’s category. She also has 19 children’s books available on Amazon and a line of toys for young kids.
FEC records indicate that Accurso previously contributed $3,500 to other progressive candidates in New York backed by Mayor Zoran Mamdani.
Additionally, Accurso has been vocal against Israel, accusing it of “genocide” and advocating for an arms embargo. In November, she drew attention by wearing a dress adorned with children’s drawings from Gaza at a red carpet event, a move that was notable in her career.
