Polling Average
40%30%20%10%0%
30.8%
28.8%
Michigan Democratic Senate nominee?
$2.4M
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 — B.S. (Biology and Political Science)
Notable personal detailsAbdulrahman Mohamed (Abdul) El-Sayed is an American physician and public health researcher who has served in local public health leadership roles in Michigan. He led the Detroit Health Department beginning in 2015 and later served as director of the Wayne County Department of Health, Human & Veterans Services. He was a 2018 Democratic candidate for governor of Michigan and is a Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in Michigan in the 2026 election cycle.
SourcesShowHide
en.wikipedia.orgwikidata.orgpublichealth.columbia.eduvagelos.columbia.eduabdulforsenate.comdeadlinedetroit.commetrotimes.comaxios.comapnews.comballot.watchelectionarchive.washtenaw.orgstateofopportunity.michiganradio.orgdailysignal.comstatnews.comfordschool.umich.edumichiganpublic.orgcommons.wikimedia.orgmic.comreddit.comhumanityinaction.orgwdet.orgmichiganadvance.comcbsnews.comrewirenewsgroup.comabortion-blog.comtheguardian.combridgemi.comcrooked.comwgvunews.orgpresidency.ucsb.edufreebeacon.comfox17online.comthehill.comnbcnews.comuaw.orginstagram.comnationalnursesunited.orgnytimes.comcnn.comtheintercept.comtime.comprospect.orgyoutube.comfacebook.comfec.govdocquery.fec.govvotesmart.orgdeveloper.ballotpedia.orgstatic.votesmart.orgcdn.ballotpedia.orgcreativecommons.orgupload.wikimedia.orglegislation.ballotpedia.orgcba.ballotpedia.org
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 updatedJul 18, 2026
Abdul El-Sayed is in the middle of a closely watched Michigan Democratic Senate primary, where recent polling has shown him narrowly ahead of Haley Stevens. He has been drawing attention for defending past defund-the-police comments, saying he now favors more investment in law enforcement recruitment, behavioral health, and anti-poverty efforts. He also declined to say whether Israel has a right to exist in a CNN interview, while criticizing U.S. aid to Israel and AIPAC spending in the race. The UAW has endorsed him, giving him a notable labor boost ahead of the August 4 primary.
en.wikipedia.org+53
Articles
WEWashington Examiner23 hours ago
Michigan's el Sayed tells supporters to stop making fun of Stevens
Positive
WEWashington Examiner11 days ago
Michigan's el Sayed backed defunding the police in 2020 despite denial
Negative
WEWashington Examiner11 days ago
Haley Stevens launches website of Abdul el Sayed's 'brags' ahead of debate night
Positive
CNCBS News11 days ago
Democrats Haley Stevens and Abdul El-Sayed face off in primary debate for Michigan Senate
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 for the 2026 Michigan Senate race.
Darrin Camilleri
Public figure
State Sen. Darrin Camilleri endorsed Abdul El-Sayed in the Michigan U.S. Senate race.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
Public endorsement
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez endorsed Abdul El-Sayed in the Michigan Democratic primary for U.S. Senate.
Indivisible
Public endorsement
Indivisible endorsed Abdul El-Sayed in the Michigan U.S. Senate race.
Jewish Voice for Peace
Public endorsement
The political arm of Jewish Voice for Peace endorsed Abdul El-Sayed for U.S. Senate in Michigan.
Chris Van Hollen
Public figure
Chris Van Hollen endorsed Abdul El-Sayed for the 2026 Michigan Senate race.
United Auto Workers
Public figure
United Auto Workers endorsed Abdul El-Sayed in the Michigan U.S. Senate race.
Working Families Party
Public figure
Working Families Party endorsed Abdul El-Sayed for U.S. Senate in Michigan.
National Nurses United
Public figure
National Nurses United endorsed Abdul El-Sayed for U.S. Senate in Michigan.
Summer Lee
Public figure
U.S. Rep. Summer Lee endorsed Abdul El-Sayed for Michigan's open U.S. Senate seat.
Michigan state representatives Tonya Myers Phillips, Helena Scott, and Noah Arbit
Public endorsement
Michigan state representatives Tonya Myers Phillips, Helena Scott, and Noah Arbit endorsed Abdul El-Sayed for U.S. Senate in Michigan.
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