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Abdul El-Sayed sees windfall $2.4 million in donations after betrayal by fellow Democrat Haley Stevens
Abdul El-Sayed’s Senate campaign reported a record $2.4 million in donations on the day former Democratic primary rival Haley Stevens endorsed Republican Mike Rogers. The surge, which the campaign said reflected grassroots support, came as Stevens’ decision drew criticism from Democrats and prompted high-profile figures to back El-Sayed.
More than 65,000 people donated, giving an average of about $36; the campaign said it was its strongest fundraising day and its best since El-Sayed won the primary in August. Bruce Springsteen and Jane Fonda’s climate political action committee endorsed him, while Hillary Clinton said Stevens’ move could help his campaign. Stevens appeared with Rogers at a Detroit church after reportedly assuring fellow Democrat Debbie Dingell the previous night that she would not endorse him.
In short
- El-Sayed’s campaign raised $2.4 million in one day.
- More than 65,000 donors gave an average of about $36.
- Springsteen, Fonda and Clinton backed El-Sayed after Stevens endorsed Rogers.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Stevens’ endorsement of Republican Mike Rogers could be seen as a legitimate choice if she believes his policies or leadership better serve her constituents, even after a Democratic primary contest. El-Sayed’s fundraising surge suggests many voters viewed the endorsement as a breach of party solidarity and responded by supporting his campaign; that reaction can be understood as grassroots engagement, not simply elite political manoeuvring.
The case against
Democrats could argue that Stevens’ endorsement undermines the party’s effort to defeat Rogers and disregards the voters who chose El-Sayed in the primary. Her reported assurance to Debbie Dingell that she would not endorse Rogers may also raise questions about trust, while the large donation total shows the move may have strengthened El-Sayed rather than helped Rogers.
Explained simply
Abdul El-Sayed and Haley Stevens are Democrats from Michigan who competed in the party’s primary to choose its candidate for the US Senate. El-Sayed won the primary, while Stevens is a member of the US House of Representatives.
The Senate seat is currently held by a Democrat and is one of several contests that will help decide which party controls the chamber. El-Sayed is running against Republican Mike Rogers, a former congressman. Endorsements from public figures can draw attention and support, while disagreements between party members may affect how voters view a campaign.