By OBBM Network Editorial Staff

Derived from an episode of The DeVory Darkins Show.

When a political ad accuses a state’s economic woes of being caused by foreign aid, it can ignite a firestorm that burns through party lines. In Michigan, a single television spot has sparked an unprecedented clash between Senate nominee Abdul El‑Sahed and fellow Democrat Haley Stevens, just four days before voters head to the polls.

What sparked the feud?

The controversy began when an ad produced by a supporter of El‑Sahed suggested that inflation in Michigan is tied to U.S. assistance to Israel. The ad, which referenced a $26 billion aid package, prompted Stevens to demand a public apology and a clear denunciation of the message. In response, El‑Sahed’s campaign told Stevens to stay away from his events, arguing that the primary was already decided and that the focus should shift to defeating Republican incumbent Mike Rogers.

El‑Sahed dismissed Stevens’ calls as an attempt to “relitigate a primary that ended three months ago,” emphasizing his agenda to “beat Mike Rogers, hold Trump accountable, get money out of politics, put money in pockets, and pass Medicare for all.”

Republican reactions and the broader narrative

Republican Representative Mike Rogers seized on the ad, calling it “the most racist” he has ever seen and praising Stevens for her “courage.” Rogers framed the controversy as evidence of Democratic disunity, suggesting that the infighting could split the party’s vote and benefit Republicans in the upcoming election.

Rogers also highlighted the financial aspect, noting that the United States already provides $4 billion annually to Israel, with the proposed increase to $26 billion further burdening American taxpayers. He questioned why Democrats appear to prioritize foreign interests over Michigan voters.

Impact on the Senate race

El‑Sahed narrowly won the Democratic primary over Stevens, who had initially endorsed him but had not yet campaigned alongside him. Stevens had planned to join El‑Sahed at a Detroit event on Sunday, contingent on his condemnation of the ad. With the campaign’s refusal to meet her demands, that appearance appears canceled.

Political analysts warn that the dispute may erode Democratic enthusiasm in a state where the race is expected to be tight. The ad has already drawn criticism from Jewish community leaders, some of whom say they may consider voting Republican for the first time due to the perceived anti‑Israel rhetoric.

DeVory Darkins weighs in

Host DeVory Darkins, speaking with senior national correspondent Rich Edson from Michigan, described the scene as feeling more like a primary than a general‑election campaign. Darkins noted that the internal conflict could distract from core issues such as economic growth, health care, and election integrity—topics that both candidates have publicly championed.

“I don’t care if someone is a Democrat, a progressive, an independent, or a Republican,” Darkins said, echoing a sentiment shared by many voters who are tired of partisan bickering. “I just don’t want anti‑American individuals running for elected office.”

Looking ahead

With the November ballot looming, Michigan Democrats face a pivotal decision: reconcile their differences and present a united front against Rogers, or risk a fractured base that could tilt the Senate seat to the GOP. The outcome may also influence how future campaigns handle sensitive foreign‑policy topics, especially those that intersect with domestic economic concerns.

Regardless of the result, the El‑Sahed‑Stevens showdown underscores the challenges of maintaining party cohesion in an era of heightened ideological scrutiny. Voters will watch closely to see whether the dispute resolves in time to focus on the larger issues that define the 2025 mid‑terms.

The full episode of The DeVory Darkins Show is available on OBBM Network TV.