Senate Democrats gathered at the DSCC to meet Michigan nominee Abdul El-Sayed and to coalesce around his campaign ahead of November. Leaders including Kirsten Gillibrand, Gary Peters and Elizabeth Warren praised his message on affordability, health care and government reform. El-Sayed frames the race as pivotal to winning a Senate majority and faces criticism over ties to streamer Hasan Piker as he prepares to challenge GOP nominee Mike Rogers.
Senate Democrats Rally Behind Abdul El-Sayed as Michigan Race Enters Final Stretch
Abdul El-Sayed after a meeting with Senate Democrats on Capitol Hill on Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2026. / Credit: CBS News
Washington — Michigan Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed met with Senate Democrats Wednesday at the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee headquarters as party leaders moved to unify behind his campaign in the closing weeks before November's election.
Broad Support From Senate Leaders
Senators leaving the meeting expressed optimism about El-Sayed and the themes of his campaign. "He's a great candidate. He's going to win, and we are all united," said Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand of New York, who chairs the DSCC. Sen. Gary Peters, who is not seeking reelection, called the meeting "a great opportunity" for colleagues to meet El-Sayed and see that "he's really a great, strong candidate." Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona said he plans to travel to Michigan to campaign with El-Sayed.
Message And Strategy
El-Sayed told reporters he focused on the strategic importance of the Michigan race: winning or holding the Senate majority would allow Democrats to "hold Donald Trump accountable" and "start legislating." He emphasized unity around issues such as health care access, reproductive rights and workers' rights, arguing these priorities bridge intra-party divides.
Policy Positions And Endorsements
A former Michigan health official, El-Sayed supports progressive proposals including Medicare for All and efforts to reduce the influence of money in politics. He secured endorsements from high-profile progressives such as Sens. Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, who praised his focus on affordability and public service.
Controversy And Campaign Dynamics
Republicans have seized on his past appearances with left‑wing streamer Hasan Piker to portray El-Sayed as too extreme for Michigan; El-Sayed downplayed the issue, urging a focus on pocketbook concerns. He was expected to meet with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer later Wednesday to discuss support and next steps.
Road To November
El-Sayed won the Democratic primary last month over a more moderate, Schumer‑backed rival, and now faces former GOP Rep. Mike Rogers in November — a contest that will test debates about electability and the party's direction. Support from Senate colleagues, including several prominent progressives, signals a concerted effort to consolidate party backing ahead of voters' final decision.
Bottom line: Senate Democrats are publicly rallying behind El-Sayed as the Michigan race becomes a high-stakes test of whether progressive insurgents can win competitive statewide contests in November.
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