AOC endorses Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan Senate primary

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) issued her first endorsement of the 2026 midterm cycle on July 2, backing Dr. Abdul El-Sayed in the Michigan Democratic Senate primary. The race to replace retiring Sen. Gary Peters has become a key test of the party's progressive vs. establishment wings.

The Endorsement

Ocasio-Cortez praised El-Sayed as "the strongest candidate to keep this seat in November" and said he is "building a winning coalition by putting forward an agenda that speaks directly to working people." Source: CNN El-Sayed called her endorsement a "deep honor," noting her work "taking on the powerful on behalf of everyday people." Source: CNN The endorsement comes as Ocasio-Cortez has been selective this cycle, notably withholding support from her former chief of staff. Source: CNN

The Primary Field

El-Sayed, who already has backing from Sen. Bernie Sanders, now leads in recent polls. Source: Guardian He faces centrist Rep. Haley Stevens, endorsed by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, and liberal state Sen. Mallory McMorrow, endorsed by Sen. Elizabeth Warren. Source: CNN The general election will likely pit the Democratic nominee against Republican Mike Rogers, who narrowly lost in 2024. Source: Guardian

Israel as Flashpoint

Michigan's sizable Arab American and Jewish blocs make the Gaza conflict a central issue. El-Sayed has called Israeli PM Netanyahu a "war criminal" and described Israel's campaign as a "genocide." Source: CNN McMorrow has also used the term "genocide," while Stevens—backed by AIPAC—disagrees with that characterization. Source: CNN This rift mirrors the broader Democratic divide over Israel policy.

• El-Sayed's platform includes banning tax incentives for Amazon, taxing billionaires, and eliminating medical debt. Source: Guardian
• Ocasio-Cortez previously endorsed El-Sayed in his 2018 gubernatorial run. Source: CNN