By Basant El-Faramawy
Rep. Haley Stevens and Abdul El-Sayed traded critical statements Friday, escalating tensions days before they are scheduled to appear together at a Detroit rally alongside Rep. Jim Clyburn.
Escalating Tensions
Stevens demanded El-Sayed condemn an ad from progressive group Rebellion PAC that she called antisemitic, linking it to his own campaign rhetoric. She also called for removal of an El-Sayed ad featuring right-wing commentator Tucker Carlson.
Campaign Responses
El-Sayed, whose campaign distanced itself from the Rebellion PAC ad, said Stevens was relitigating a primary that ended three months ago. He emphasized his focus on affordability and health care, noting his campaign defeated $70 million in outside spending backed by the pro-Israel lobbying group AIPAC.
Impact on Senate Race
The clash comes four days before the Michigan Senate election, rated a toss-up by the Cook Political Report, where El-Sayed faces Republican Mike Rogers. It remains unclear whether the dispute will affect Sunday's unity event.
Other Democrats Weigh In
State Sen. Mallory McMorrow criticized Stevens on CNN, while Rep. Debbie Dingell downplayed the conflict, saying she helped broker the rally and the focus should be on national issues.
