Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed of Michigan challenged President Donald Trump to direct his criticism at him during a weekend interview, framing the exchange as a potential boost for his campaign in a closely contested race.
El-Sayed made the remarks on September 7 during an appearance on On Sunday with Jack Cocchiarella, where he responded to Trump’s recent attacks on him and his wife. "Come at us, bro. My wife has more strength than he has ever had. So, come at us. See what happens," El-Sayed said. He added that Trump’s attention would effectively make him "the main character of the midterms," a role he described as acceptable given his opponent’s perceived lack of distinction.
El-Sayed’s comments came as he faces Republican Mike Rogers in a Senate race to succeed retiring Democratic Sen. Gary Peters. A Fox News Poll released on September 5 showed Rogers leading El-Sayed 51% to 47% in the first post-primary survey. The contest is among Democrats’ top targets in their effort to regain a Senate majority.
El-Sayed’s remarks and campaign dynamics
El-Sayed, who would become the first Muslim U.S. senator if elected, framed Trump’s attacks as inevitable and even advantageous. "Donald Trump can’t help himself," he said. "So, part of me is like, 'Come for me, bro. See what happens.'" He also criticized Rogers, calling him an "NPC"—a reference to non-player characters in video games—to suggest Rogers lacks independent policy positions.
The race has drawn national attention due to its competitiveness and the high stakes for both parties. Democrats need to flip at least one seat to regain control of the Senate, where Republicans currently hold a 53-47 majority. El-Sayed’s campaign has emphasized progressive policies, while Rogers has aligned himself with Trump, who endorsed him in the race.
Republican response and polling context
The Republican National Committee (RNC) responded to El-Sayed’s remarks through National Press Secretary Natalie Baldassarre, who characterized his record as extreme. "El-Sayed is a jihadi jester, and his record of supporting far-left policies, bootlicking terrorists, killing puppies, and cozying up to radicals who think America deserved 9/11 will be on full display," Baldassarre stated. The RNC’s statement did not provide specific examples to substantiate these claims.
Polls indicate a tight race, with Rogers holding a narrow lead. The Fox News Poll, conducted after the primary, reflects the competitive nature of the contest. El-Sayed’s campaign has sought to frame the election as a referendum on Rogers’ alignment with Trump, while Rogers’ team has focused on contrasting his record with El-Sayed’s progressive platform.
Background on the candidates
Abdul El-Sayed is a former Michigan health director and progressive activist who narrowly lost the 2018 gubernatorial primary to Gretchen Whitmer. His Senate campaign has emphasized healthcare, economic equity, and reproductive rights. Mike Rogers, a former U.S. representative, has positioned himself as a conservative stalwart aligned with Trump’s agenda. The race is one of several high-profile Senate battles in 2024 that could determine control of Congress.