Every member of the “Squad,” a well-known left-wing congressional group, has expressed their support for Abdul El-Sayed in the lead-up to Michigan’s Democratic Senate primary.
The Squad includes Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez from New York, Ilhan Omar from Minnesota, Ayanna Pressley from Massachusetts, Rashida Tlaib from Michigan, Summer Lee from Pennsylvania, Delia Ramirez from Illinois, and Greg Casar from Texas. El-Sayed attempts to distance himself from the Democratic Socialists of America as he positions himself for the general election in a swing state, even though some Squad members have ties to the group.
The endorsements frame the ideological debate of the upcoming primary, connecting El-Sayed with prominent progressive representatives. While he distances himself from socialism, this affiliation provides opponents, particularly Republicans, with a point of contention should El-Sayed advance to the general election.
Greg Casar’s recent endorsement emphasized El-Sayed’s campaign for working-class advocacy. Casar stated, “House progressives need strong partners in the Senate to support financial reforms and healthcare initiatives. I’m proud to endorse Abdul.”
“The entire Squad has now endorsed Abdul El-Sayed to carry on its radical, socialist, anti-American agenda in the U.S. Senate, and they will be rejected by Michiganders at the ballot box,” National Republican Senatorial Committee regional press secretary Samantha Cantrell expressed.
El-Sayed, despite past appearances at Democratic Socialists of America events and raising funds for them, denies being closely affiliated with the organization, stating, “I’m not technically or practically DSA.” He has emphasized his belief in regulated capitalism, declaring, “I am not somebody who is a socialist.”
El-Sayed is challenged by Rep. Haley Stevens in the Democratic primary, who is considered more centrist. Current polls suggest El-Sayed holds a substantial lead over Stevens.
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