El-Sayed: Democrats Need a Landslide to Protect the Vote
Abdul El-Sayed midterms — Abdul El-Sayed wants a Democratic wave so large that no one can dispute the outcome. In an interview aired Sunday on NBC News’ Meet the Press, the Michigan Democratic Senate nominee said his party must win the 2026 midterms by massive numbers to prevent election denial from taking hold. “Democrats must win by massive numbers,” he told moderator Kristen Welker, adding that the result must be unquestionable.
Why El-Sayed Fears Another Denial
El-Sayed is running against Republican Mike Rogers, a former congressman, in a state that became a focal point of Donald Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election. Trump lost Michigan that year and made fraud claims that a judge later dismissed as speculation. A fake electors scheme in the state led to charges against 15 people, though those charges were later dismissed.
The nominee said he is concerned that Trump and Rogers are not committed to democracy. He pointed to Rogers’ refusal to acknowledge the 2020 results, saying Rogers insinuates he did not lose. Trump has said he would accept midterm results but not want cheating. The Trump administration also demanded Wayne County ballots from the 2024 election.
The Economy and Medicare for All
El-Sayed, a former public health official, is betting that an economic message centered on Medicare for All can win over voters who backed Trump. He said he is confident he can win former Trump voters, noting that some have told him they voted for Trump two or three times but now support him. “Voters cite healthcare and America first,” he said, explaining that they see his platform as putting their needs first.
He also hopes that economic pitch resonates with Jewish voters, emphasizing shared values that he said are bigger than divisions. Those values, he listed, include religious pluralism, reproductive rights and healthcare.
Synagogue Attack and Ad Backlash
El-Sayed has faced skepticism over his criticism of Israel and his response to a March synagogue attack near Detroit. He condemned the attack but initially said hurt people hurt people, noting the attacker’s family died in Lebanon airstrikes. He later said he regretted stepping on grief and committed to Jewish safety like that of his own children.
AIPAC, which supports pro-Israel candidates from both parties, and the super PAC Together for Michigan have targeted his remarks in mailers and ads. One ad featured a woman whose son was in the synagogue and said El-Sayed gave an excuse to someone who wanted to murder children. The same ad said a lifelong Democrat would vote for Rogers.
From Obama Critic to Mentee
El-Sayed was also asked about campaigning with former President Barack Obama. He wrote a 2012 HuffPost opinion piece criticizing Obama, but now calls him a capable leader with grace and considers him a mentor. It remains unclear whether Obama will campaign with him.
With the midterms approaching, El-Sayed is urging Democrats to deliver a result so decisive that it leaves no room for doubt.
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