El-Sayed shrugs off Trump attacks, vows affordability push in Michigan

Michigan Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed on Wednesday dismissed personal attacks from President Donald Trump as distractions from economic hardship, declaring that voters across the state prioritize affordability over political insults as he launched his general election bid against Republican Mike Rogers.

Trump rhetoric dismissed

El-Sayed, who defeated Representative Haley Stevens by roughly one percentage point in Tuesday's Democratic primary, brushed aside Trump's recent barbs — including descriptions of him as "full of sh-t," a "Radical Left Socialist" and a "Communist." "I invite the president to focus on what I'm saying. I want to get money out of politics, put money in your pocket, and pass Medicare for all," he told CNN, adding that Trump appears more interested in "saying my name in an interesting way" than solving Michigan's problems.

Affordability and health care

The former Detroit health director said his campaign will focus on lowering costs, expanding health care access and addressing the state's housing crisis while criticizing Rogers for accepting more than $1 million from pharmaceutical industry donors during his congressional tenure. "We have an opportunity right now to come together to embrace the idea that we can have an America that is affordable, because Michiganders right now are suffering," El-Sayed said, framing the election as a choice between corporate interests and working families.

Foreign aid stance

El-Sayed also detailed his opposition to "unconditional military aid for any country," including Israel, Egypt, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, stating that US tax dollars should fund domestic priorities rather than foreign militaries. "I don't want to fund a foreign military that does genocide, apartheid, or has taken us to a war we don't need to fight," he said, specifically rejecting funding for Israel's Iron Dome missile defense system and questioning why Washington sends billions abroad while local schools struggle.

Senate race outlook

El-Sayed will face Rogers in November for the Senate seat being vacated by retiring Senator Gary Peters in a contest seen as crucial to Democratic hopes of retaking the upper chamber. The race is expected to draw national resources as both parties vie for control of the narrowly divided Senate.