On Monday night, Jeffrey Soros, the nephew of billionaire Democratic donor George Soros and CEO of the Los Angeles Media Fund, hosted a private fundraiser for Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El‑Sayed at his home. The event, which was not open to recording, drew attention because El‑Sayed has repeatedly pledged to remove money from politics while accepting support from a prominent liberal donor network.
Fundraiser details and background
During the gathering, Soros welcomed El‑Sayed, noting that he has known the candidate since 2012 when El‑Sayed received the Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowship for New Americans. The fellowship, designed to assist immigrants and children of immigrants, provides substantial stipend and tuition support to its recipients. El‑Sayed’s 2012 award is highlighted on the program’s website as a success story.
According to a flyer for the event, attendees could contribute up to $57,800 to the Michigan Victory Fund, the political arm that supports El‑Sayed’s campaign. The Soros family’s political network has reportedly contributed millions to committees backing the candidate.
Candidate’s stance on campaign finance
El‑Sayed has framed the influence of wealthy donors as a central issue in his campaign. In a 2025 local news interview, he described the system that allows corporations and billionaires to purchase political influence as “the fundamental corruption of our politics.” He reiterated his goal of getting money out of politics while also advocating for Medicare for All.
Critics of the fundraiser, including Alyssa Brouillet, communications director for Republican Senate nominee Mike Rogers, called the event a clear example of “dark Soros money” supporting a candidate who has previously sought assistance from Democratic leaders in Washington. Brouillet argued that such fundraising undermines voter trust.
Responses and context
The El‑Sayed campaign and the Los Angeles Media Fund declined to comment when contacted for comment. The event adds to ongoing debate in Michigan about the role of large‑scale donor contributions in state elections, especially as candidates on both sides claim to champion campaign‑finance reform.
While the fundraiser underscores the continued financial ties between progressive donor networks and Democratic candidates, it also fuels Republican arguments that wealthy liberal donors wield outsized influence in state races. The episode may become a focal point for voters evaluating the credibility of El‑Sayed’s pledge to reduce money’s role in politics.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
