Abdul El-Sayed, a former Detroit health chief, campaigned for a Senate seat in Michigan ahead of the US congressional elections on November 3. He presented himself as a critic of corporate and billionaire influence in politics and advocated putting money in people's pockets and universal healthcare. His campaign drew large crowds and support from former President Barack Obama and Democratic representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. If elected, he would reportedly become the first Muslim senator in the United States and one of the most left-wing candidates to win a Senate seat in a swing state.

El-Sayed was described as extremely progressive but not a democratic socialist; he calls himself a capitalist. His candidacy received support from parts of the Democratic Socialists of America, while moderate Democrats warned that the movement's positions could alienate centrist voters. About $60 million was reportedly spent by pro-Israel and other donors in an effort to keep him out of the race, but he won the Democratic primary and remained close to his Republican opponent. Republicans, including Donald Trump, criticized him and portrayed democratic socialism as a threat to the country.