The fiance of Representative Haley Stevens, Democrat from Michigan, has publicly declared his opposition to Democratic Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, citing concerns about perceived antisemitism. Despite the opposition within her household, Stevens continues to support El-Sayed.
“I waited, and I watched and I listened for Abdul to moderate – but he didn’t moderate, he escalated,” said Jason Turkish, who is a Jewish registered Democrat.
Turkish, a Michigan-based lawyer, expressed his intention to vote for Republican Senate nominee Mike Rogers. This statement was made during a Rogers event sponsored by the Republican Jewish Coalition at the Townsend Hotel in Birmingham, Michigan. Turkish shared his concerns with reporters, commenting on El-Sayed’s rhetoric and its impact on community safety.
While Turkish voices his issues with El-Sayed’s approach, Rep. Stevens remains steadfast. She told CNN, “Like a lot of households across America, we’re a house divided.” Her commitment to the Democratic nominee persists, as she emphasized the stakes of the election.
Turkish criticized El-Sayed’s comments regarding Israel and his longstanding criticisms of the nation. El-Sayed has labeled the conflict in Gaza a “genocide.” In defense, Israel maintains its focus on combating terrorism, asserting efforts to prevent civilian casualties. Turkish believes El-Sayed’s language escalates antisemitic threats, saying, “Every time he talks about genocide, Jews get death threats.”
Additional criticism arises from El-Sayed’s association with California streamer Hasan Piker, who sparked controversy with past remarks suggesting America deserved 9/11. Turkish noted El-Sayed’s combative stance toward reporters questioning these ties.
El-Sayed’s campaign faces further challenges over allegations surrounding ties to entities like the Muslim Brotherhood. During a campaign event, Rogers stated, “This is not someone we can let into the United States Senate.”
Jason Turkish stands alongside David Kramer, Stevens’ former campaign chair, in backing Rogers. Despite Stevens’ endorsement following the primary, her public appearances with El-Sayed have been limited.