Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed met with the Michigan Democratic Jewish Caucus this past Saturday in Lansing. He offered an apology for comments he made after a terrorist attack on a Detroit synagogue in March. However, he refused to repudiate controversial remarks by left-wing streamer Hasan Piker, a strong supporter of his campaign. Fox News reported that El-Sayed drew a clear line at this specific demand during the meeting.
El-Sayed acknowledged that his prior statements could have been misinterpreted. He explained that he tried to offer context but realized “it wasn’t the time for context and you don’t ever want to trample somebody’s pain.”
Despite this effort, his Republican rival Mike Rogers called the apology a “sham.” Rogers, the former representative running for the open Senate seat, released a new ad Saturday attacking El-Sayed’s past statements. The race is a crucial battleground for Democrats aiming to win back control of the chamber. El-Sayed narrowly won the primary against moderate Rep. Haley Stevens in a divisive contest.
Supporters like Sen. Bernie Sanders argue that the focus on Piker is a distraction from economic issues. Sanders told Politico that the “donor class” is less enthusiastic about El-Sayed but insisted Republicans are using the controversy to avoid talking about “gas, groceries, good schools, and healthcare.” Sanders acknowledged Piker has made comments that “people should reject” but called the streamer just another podcaster who “says dumb things.”
Other Democrats have taken a harder stance.
President Donald Trump weighed in during a Sunday interview on Fox News. He told host Trey Gowdy that El-Sayed is “out of it” and warned that socialist candidates will harm the party.
El-Sayed has tried to distance himself from Piker in social media posts while refusing to fully cut ties.
The attack El-Sayed referenced happened on March 12 at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield. A driver crashed a car into the structure and began shooting while over 100 kids were present inside. Authorities said the attacker was killed in a gunfight with law enforcement, and no children were injured. El-Sayed’s comments at the time drew immediate fire from within his own party.
Rep. Jim Clyburn offered support for El-Sayed on Sunday after the apology. He stated that “all of us deserve second chances.” The nominee remains the official candidate for the party, but the controversy over his association with Piker continues to define the early weeks of the general election. Voters will decide if the apology is enough to secure the seat.
