Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-SC) publicly endorsed Abdul el Sayed, Michigan’s Democratic Senate nominee, on Sunday, following el Sayed’s apology for comments critics called antisemitic. Clyburn, appearing on Meet the Press, stated he had spoken with el Sayed and would support his general election campaign. “I have spoken with the good doctor. He’s our nominee. I support his election,” Clyburn said. “All of us deserve second chances.”
El Sayed, a former Detroit health commissioner, apologized to the Michigan Democratic Jewish Caucus on Saturday for remarks made in March after a Lebanese immigrant rammed a truck into a Michigan synagogue. He said, “If my statement caused pain,” and added, “That was not what I intended.” Clyburn also noted el Sayed’s commitment to no longer campaign with Hasan Piker, a left-wing streamer who has faced criticism for past statements, including claiming the U.S. “deserved” the 9/11 attacks.
Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Senate Minority Leader, endorsed el Sayed the day after his primary victory, despite el Sayed’s prior criticism of Schumer’s leadership. Schumer and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) released a joint statement praising el Sayed’s “energetic campaign” and pledging support for his Senate bid. El Sayed has pushed progressive policies such as Medicare for All and the abolition of ICE, though he denies being a socialist.
Rep. John James (R-MI), the Republican gubernatorial candidate, criticized el Sayed’s past association with Piker, calling it “way out of bounds” ahead of the 25th anniversary of 9/11. James stated Michigan’s elections are “ground zero for this republic,” urging opposition to socialism and warning of broader national implications. El Sayed has distanced himself from Piker, saying he has “no plans” to campaign with him.
The endorsements come amid intraparty tensions among Democrats over the rise of progressive insurgent candidates like el Sayed, who defeated establishment-backed Rep. Haley Stevens (D-MI) in the primary. The general election in Michigan is seen as pivotal for Democrats’ chances to retake the Senate majority.