Rep Stevens Urges El-Sayed to Focus on Michigan Amid Criticism Over Piker Ties

Democratic concerns are growing in the Michigan Senate race as a new Fox News poll reveals Republican Mike Rogers leading Abdul El-Sayed. Michigan Representative Haley Stevens discussed the issues with Jacqui Heinrich, emphasizing the need to engage key voters before the upcoming election.

Representative Haley Stevens, Democrat from Michigan, urged Abdul El-Sayed, the Democratic Senate nominee, to end his association with controversial leftist commentator Hasan Piker. She made her comments on “The Sunday Briefing,” noting the focus should now be on Michigan voters as El-Sayed prepares for the general election. Although Stevens maintains her primary opposition to Piker, she continues supporting El-Sayed, affirming her commitment to the party.

Stevens explained her stance, stating, “It makes sense to distance from Hasan Piker.” She also claimed that Democratic policies on healthcare, democracy, and Black-owned businesses are superior to those of Republican opponent Mike Rogers. Rogers is set to challenge El-Sayed in the Senate race.

When asked about El-Sayed’s outreach to demographics that previously supported her, Stevens highlighted her success with these groups. She identified as a Zionist Democrat, asserting the Democratic Party’s inclusivity. Notably, she emphasized her commitment to ensuring that groups such as Jewish voters, Black voters, and Reagan-era Democrats feel represented.

Abdul El-Sayed, widely recognized as a progressive, teamed up with streamer Hasan Piker during an event for content creators backing his campaign. Stevens commented on this during a unity rally in Detroit, Michigan, in early August.

The upcoming election is crucial for Democrats, with the contest to replace retiring Senator Gary Peters being key to influencing the Senate’s balance. Winning this seat is vital for Democrats as they contest against a narrow Republican majority.

Recent polling data from Fox News shows El-Sayed trailing behind Mike Rogers by four points. The poll also indicates El-Sayed’s challenges with attracting Black voters, women, and suburban voters compared to former Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election.

The decisive Senate race in this pivotal swing state is slated for November 3. Paul Steinhauser and Alex Miller contributed additional insights to this article. Max Bacall is an associate editor for Fox News Digital.