In a dramatic turn of events for the Michigan U.S. Senate race, Democratic candidate Abdul El‑Sayed announced that his campaign pulled in over $2.4 million in a single day, setting a new fundraising record as the election approaches.
Record‑breaking cash flow
The campaign said the surge came from more than 65,000 donors, each contributing an average of $36.74. Nearly 30,000 of those contributors gave to the campaign for the first time, underscoring growing grassroots enthusiasm for El‑Sayed’s message.
“As Michiganders head to the polls, the momentum behind Abdul’s campaign has never been stronger,” campaign spokesperson Cole Wozniak said in a statement released after the cash haul.
Stevens’ unexpected endorsement
Adding a twist to the contest, Rep. Haley Stevens, D‑Michigan, posted a video on X (formerly Twitter) endorsing Republican Senate nominee Mike Rogers, a candidate backed by President Trump. Stevens, who ran a moderate campaign in the Democratic primary earlier this year, said she could not support El‑Sayed because of his ties to left‑leaning political streamer Hasan Piker.
“Hey Michigan, as you may have seen, our Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate, Abdul said that I was no longer welcome in his campaign and that I should stay away and he’s right. And that’s why I’m endorsing Mike Rogers for the United States Senate today,” Stevens said in the video.
Democratic backlash
The endorsement sparked swift condemnation from state Democrats. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called Stevens’ move “a despicable betrayal” and affirmed that the Democratic caucus remains united behind El‑Sayed. Michigan Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel echoed that sentiment, saying Stevens had “abandoned everything she claims to care about.”
El‑Sayed’s response
El‑Sayed brushed off the endorsement, telling reporters he does not focus on Stevens or Rogers but on voters and policy. He also noted recent efforts to distance himself from Piker, whose controversial statements—including antisemitic remarks and a claim that “America deserved 9/11″—have drawn national scrutiny.
What the numbers mean for the race
The record‑setting donation day highlights a surge of small‑donor support for El‑Sayed as the campaign heads into its final stretch. While the endorsement of a Trump‑backed Republican by a former Democratic congresswoman is unusual, it has not altered the fundraising momentum for the Democratic contender.
Both campaigns are now focusing on voter outreach ahead of the November election, with El‑Sayed emphasizing his policy platform and Rogers leaning on his alignment with President Trump’s agenda.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
