Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed has said he is “simply not a socialist” despite receiving support from prominent progressive figures including Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. The issue matters because his political identity could shape how voters view his campaign in a competitive Senate race.

El-Sayed made the statement when questioned about his links to left-wing leaders during an interview. The article focuses on the contrast between his rejection of the socialist label and endorsements from politicians commonly associated with democratic socialism.