Every member of the ‘Squad,’ an informal progressive congressional group, has thrown their support behind Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan’s Democratic Senate primary, according to his campaign site. The Squad includes Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez from New York, Ilhan Omar from Minnesota, Ayanna Pressley from Massachusetts, Rashida Tlaib from Michigan, Summer Lee from Pennsylvania, Delia Ramirez from Illinois, and Greg Casar from Texas.
Many of the Squad’s current and past members have been associated with the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA). Despite El-Sayed’s past involvement, he seeks to distance himself from the socialist image as he aims to appeal to a broader audience for the general election.
‘The entire Squad has now endorsed Abdul El-Sayed to carry on its radical, socialist, anti-American agenda in the U.S. Senate, and they will be rejected by Michiganders at the ballot box,’ stated Samantha Cantrell, a regional press secretary for the National Republican Senatorial Committee.
Rep. Greg Casar was the latest Squad member to back El-Sayed, expressing support for his pro-working-class campaign. Casar emphasizes the need for allies in the Senate to tackle issues like campaign finance and health care reform.
El-Sayed has participated in several DSA events in the past, including a fundraiser that collected about $10,000 for the Detroit DSA. However, he rejects being labeled a socialist or maintaining any formal ties with the DSA. In media interviews, he stresses his belief in regulated capitalism.
El-Sayed faces off against Rep. Haley Stevens, regarded as the centrist candidate in the primary. Polls suggest that El-Sayed holds a comfortable lead over Stevens. While endorsements link him to progressive allies, his campaign remains focused on promoting a broad-based appeal.