Abdul El-Sayed and the New Fault Lines in the Democratic Party
El-Sayed is gaining traction in Michigan in the Senate race as an unapologetic outsider challenging his own party. But campaigning is one thing. Governing is another.
Welcome back to The Red Letter.
Suddenly, the Michigan Senate race is one of the most interesting in the country.
Democratic candidate Abdul El-Sayed is gaining traction as an outsider—unapologetic, internet-savvy, and willing to say things most politicians won’t. He’s not disavowing controversial voices, he’s taking on the Democratic establishment, and he’s leaning into a kind of blunt populism that’s resonating with voters who feel left out of the system.
But outsider politics is easy when you’re running.
What happens when you actually have to govern?
We talked about all of it—from the party’s fractures over Israel, to the role of media and influencers, to whether his vision can survive Washington.
It got… tense.
Wow I legit hadn’t heard of him or his candidacy yet, will check this out!
I heard him on Wajahat Ali’s Substack program 4/26/26 @ 5:40 pm. Why Is Establishment So Afraid of Abdul El-Sayed. Hes is a physician who works downtown. He sees the injustices in our healthcare systems.
Also fighting against the establishment getting wealthier off healthcare yet patients aren’t receiving what they need & hospital staff such as nurses aren’t paid enough nor is there sufficient staff
He has been campaigning all over the state, went to MSU recently & I’m sure others
In his medical position, he was responsible for creating systems the people needed for their healthcare (it’s been awhile since I listened to the program so don’t recall specifics)
He was amazing. But he needs our financial support & volunteers since he doesn’t take any AIPAC MONEY. I believe he the only candidate who doesn’t accept this nasty funding
I access most of my information from Substack so I’m not familiar w other sites
When they had the democratic conference few weekends ago, I heard Haley Stephen’s was booed the entire time for promoting Israel. Mallory Marrow didn’t receive much support from the crowd either
Before Abdul even came on stage they say at least 4000 of those present where standing & cheering for Abdul
Check him out. He speaks his beliefs, ideas, etc & calls out the wrongs of others