Polling Average
30%25%20%15%10%5%0%
24.2%
24.9%
Michigan Democratic Senate nominee?
$922.7K
AUG 5, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current rolePhysician
PartyDemocratic
Political ideologyProgressive Democrat
Age41 years old (Oct 31, 1984)
GenderMale
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LocationMichigan
BackgroundPhysician
EducationUniversity of Michigan (BS)
Notable personal detailsAbdulrahman Mohamed El-Sayed is an American physician and public health professional who served as executive director of the Detroit Health Department (2015–2017) and as director of Wayne County's Department of Health, Human, and Veterans Services (2023–2025). He was a candidate in Michigan’s 2018 Democratic gubernatorial primary and later launched a campaign for the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate in Michigan in the 2026 election cycle. He studied at the University of Michigan, the University of Oxford (Oriel College) as a Rhodes Scholar, and earned an M.D. from Columbia University.
SourcesShowHide
fec.goven.wikipedia.orgabdulforsenate.comwikidata.orglinkedin.complanetdetroit.orgcbsnews.comwemu.orgwdet.orgmichigansthumb.comprospect.orgboldprogressives.orgabc17news.comtheatlantic.comgraahi.orgkalcounty.govbaycountymi.govmichigan.govmichiganpublic.orgmetrotimes.commichiganadvance.comrewirenewsgroup.comabortion-blog.comtheguardian.combridgemi.comcrooked.comapnews.comwgvunews.orgpresidency.ucsb.edufreebeacon.comfox17online.comaxios.comwashingtonpost.comcdn.ballotpedia.orgstatic.votesmart.orgcommons.wikimedia.orgcreativecommons.orgupload.wikimedia.orgbudget.senate.govballotready.orgdocquery.fec.govsenate.gov
Positions
LiberalConservative
Economy & Taxes
Supports taxing corporations and wealthy interests to fund expanded public investment and programs, including proposals for progressive payroll taxes and business gross-receipts or income-based levies to finance universal healthcare, infrastructure, and other public priorities.
Healthcare
Supports Medicare for All and elimination of medical debt; advocates guaranteeing comprehensive, public health insurance for every American while also expanding targeted programs and debt relief.
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Immigration & Border
The candidate supports abolishing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and has advocated for sanctuary-state policies and protections for immigrant communities. He frames ICE as a paramilitary force that should be dismantled rather than reformed and pledges to lead abolition efforts in the Senate.
Abortion & Reproductive Rights
Supports robust pro-choice policies and protection of abortion access, including advocating for Planned Parenthood and state-level measures to protect and expand reproductive health services. Has proposed repealing restrictive state laws that criminalize or limit abortion and said comprehensive family planning must include access to abortion care. Seeks to defend and codify protections for abortion access as part of broader reproductive justice and health-care policy.
Climate & Energy
Supports the Green New Deal framework and advocates for aggressive action on climate change tied to public-health and environmental-justice goals; has taken regulatory and enforcement actions against local polluters and promoted clean-air measures while in public-health roles. Campaign materials emphasize tackling pollution, removing lead, and investing in communities harmed by fossil-fuel emissions.
Public Safety & Guns
Supports banning military-style assault weapons and expanding federal measures to reduce gun trafficking and close background-check loopholes; advocates for stronger federal gun-safety laws to reduce mass shootings and household gun-related harms.
News
AINews Summary
Last updatedJun 16, 2026
Abdul El-Sayed is drawing attention in Michigan’s Democratic U.S. Senate primary, where recent polls have shown him leading and the race is heading toward the August 4 nomination vote. He also picked up a major boost from the United Auto Workers, whose endorsement could help him in a contest where labor support matters. In recent debates, El-Sayed has pushed progressive positions on taxes, the filibuster, and Israel policy, while also facing scrutiny over his media appearances and campaign message.
fec.gov+41
Articles
DFDetroit Free Press11 days ago
UAW endorses Abdul El-Sayed in U.S. Senate race
Positive
LSLansing State Journal17 days ago
Michigan U.S. Senate debate shows divide among 3 candidates
Neutral
NNNBC News18 days ago
Haley Stevens’ campaign clarifies filibuster stance after Michigan Democratic debate
Neutral
TNThe New York Times19 days ago
A Democrat’s Dodge on AIPAC Points to the Party’s Tensions Over Israel
Neutral
Polls
Aggregation source: FiftyPlusOne
Endorsements
Michigan Democratic Senate nominee?
Endorsers of Abdul El-Sayed for Michigan Democratic Senate nominee?
Bernie Sanders
Public figure
Bernie Sanders endorsed Abdul El-Sayed in the 2026 Michigan U.S. Senate race.
United Auto Workers
Public figure
United Auto Workers backed Abdul El-Sayed in the 2026 Michigan U.S. Senate race.
Fundraising
Latest report: Cycle 2026Total raisedCash on hand
$7.6M
$5.7M
$3.8M
$1.9M
$0
2026
LatestYear
Total raised
Cash on hand
Total spent
Burn rate
Cycle 2026
$7.6M
$2.5M
$5.1M
$341.2K
Source: FEC