The “Squad,” a group of progressive members of Congress, has collectively endorsed Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan’s Democratic Senate primary, according to his campaign website. This group includes Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ilhan Omar, Ayanna Pressley, Rashida Tlaib, Summer Lee, Delia Ramirez, and Greg Casar.
El-Sayed is attempting to position himself as a moderate ahead of a potential general election in a swing state. Despite this, the endorsements tie him closely to the Democratic Party’s progressive wing, which could serve as a point of criticism from Republicans should he advance past the primary.
Samantha Cantrell, a spokesperson for the National Republican Senatorial Committee, expressed criticism, stating, “The entire Squad has now endorsed Abdul El-Sayed to carry on its radical, socialist, anti-American agenda in the U.S. Senate, and they will be rejected by Michiganders at the ballot box.”
Greg Casar was the latest Squad member to lend his support, praising El-Sayed for leading a “bold, pro-working class campaign.” Casar emphasized the importance of having strong Senate partners to push progressive agendas like Medicare for All.
Despite the endorsements from socialist-aligned figures and his past associations with the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), El-Sayed denies a current affiliation. He has attended several DSA events in the past but now seeks to distinguish himself as supporting regulated capitalism.
El-Sayed is competing against Rep. Haley Stevens, considered more centrist, in the primary. Polls indicate El-Sayed holds a comfortable lead over Stevens.
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