Abdul El-Sayed campaigns for universal healthcare in Michigan

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Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed campaigned in Michigan on a proposal for the government to provide healthcare coverage to all Americans. The former doctor and former director of the Detroit Health Service won the Democratic primary over a more moderate candidate and was supported by politicians including Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Republican opponent Mike Rogers called him too radical for Michigan.

The healthcare debate was prominent ahead of the congressional elections. About 500,000 people in Michigan and 28 million nationwide were reported to have no health insurance. A donor-funded mobile clinic in the state provided basic care, while El-Sayed argued that access to healthcare was a human right. The Senate race was reported to be close, but a victory would not by itself ensure that his proposed reform was adopted, as similar efforts had repeatedly stalled in Congress.

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Politics

Abdul El-Sayed campaigns for a Senate seat in Michigan

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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.

Politics

US congressional midterm elections

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US voters are due to elect a new Congress on 3 November, with control of the House of Representatives and Senate at stake. Republicans, who hold both chambers, are campaigning to retain them while Democrats see a chance to win one or both. Polls described Republicans as vulnerable in several states and districts, though the Senate race remains uncertain and the reports caution that polls may not determine the result. The campaigns have focused in part on Donald Trump’s presidency, including high fuel prices and the war with Iran, while large sums have been spent on advertising and campaigning. Trump has questioned whether he would accept an election defeat and has said he would accept the outcome only if it is fair. One report said courts rejected attempts to invalidate 20,000 California votes and to block Alaska results in advance if a Republican senator lost. It also said a judge barred the Justice Department from threatening or pressuring election officials after it sent letters to officials in all 50 states concerning election documents. Election officials have been preparing for possible disruptions, while a poll reported that seven in ten Americans lack confidence that Trump would accept the result if Republicans lose.

Politics

Haley Stevens endorses Mike Rogers in Michigan Senate race

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Haley Stevens, who lost Michigan’s Democratic Senate primary to Abdul El-Sayed, endorsed Republican candidate Mike Rogers ahead of the election. Stevens had previously pledged to support El-Sayed, but said she was backing Rogers after El-Sayed withdrew an invitation for her to attend a campaign event following her public criticism of him. The endorsement drew criticism from Democratic figures and Stevens’s staff; one report said her chief of staff resigned. Rogers welcomed her support, while El-Sayed said he remained focused on Michigan voters.

Politics

Trump’s remarks about Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed

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President Donald Trump called Abdul El-Sayed, the Democratic candidate for a US Senate seat in Michigan, a jihadist at campaign events. He also alleged without evidence that El-Sayed belonged to the Muslim Brotherhood. One report placed the remarks at a Michigan event, while another said they were made at an event in Florida. El-Sayed was campaigning for the Michigan Senate seat ahead of the 3 November midterm elections. Reports described him as seeking to become the first Muslim US senator, while Trump’s remarks formed part of a contentious campaign.