{"id":2626349,"date":"2026-07-07T21:50:02","date_gmt":"2026-07-08T01:50:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/el-sayed-hits-bought-off-stevens-as-she-says-hes-propped-up-by-gop\/"},"modified":"2026-07-07T21:51:48","modified_gmt":"2026-07-08T01:51:48","slug":"el-sayed-hits-bought-off-stevens-as-she-says-hes-propped-up-by-gop","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/el-sayed-hits-bought-off-stevens-as-she-says-hes-propped-up-by-gop\/","title":{"rendered":"El-Sayed hits &#8216;bought off&#8217; Stevens as she says he&#8217;s &#8216;propped up&#8217; by GOP"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"float:left\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">26<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Fel-sayed-hits-bought-off-stevens-as-she-says-hes-propped-up-by-gop%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2626349&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><p>Michigan\u2019s Democratic Senate primary featured a heated debate between progressive candidate Abdul El-Sayed and incumbent Rep. Haley Stevens, highlighting the ongoing divide within the Democratic Party. El-Sayed accused Stevens of being influenced by corporate interests and outside spending,citing an expensive trip paid for by a super PAC and criticizing the role of money in politics. He promoted an anti-corporate, progressive platform including Medicare for all, taxing billionaires, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/rfk-jr-running-mate-mulling-whether-campaign-should-join-trump-or-risk-harris-presidency-washington-examiner\/\" title=\"RFK Jr. running mate mulling whether campaign should join Trump or risk Harris presidency - Washington Examiner\">reducing corporate influence<\/a>. Stevens countered by emphasizing her electability, legislative achievements, and efforts to oppose Republican messaging, especially highlighting GOP spending aimed at boosting her opponent to aid Republican Mike Rogers in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/report-bidens-envoy-threatens-brazil-not-to-question-electronic-vote\/\" title=\"Report: Biden\u2019s envoy threatens Brazil not to question electronic vote\">upcoming general election<\/a>. The race symbolizes a broader contest between progressive ideals and establishment strategies, with the primary outcome shaping Michigan\u2019s ideological direction and the broader Democratic approach ahead of the midterms.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"readmore\">\n    <button onclick=\"showReadMore()\" id=\"readmorebtn\">Read more&#8230;<\/button>\n<\/p>\n<hr id=\"line\">\n<span id=\"more\"><\/p>\n<article class=\"fn-body\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/michigan\/\" type=\"post_tag\" id=\"655\">Michigan<\/a>\u2018s Democratic <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/senate\/\" type=\"post_tag\" id=\"8765\">Senate<\/a> primary sharpened in a clash between the party\u2019s progressive and establishment wings Tuesday night as former Wayne County Health Director Abdul El-Sayed accused Rep. Haley Stevens (D-MI) of being \u201cbought off\u201d by corporate interests while Stevens argued el Sayed is being \u201cpropped up\u201d by Republican <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/campaign-finance\/\" type=\"post_tag\" id=\"531\">spending<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/debate\/\" type=\"post_tag\" id=\"11466\">debate<\/a>, hosted by WOOD-TV in Grand Rapids, marked the first head-to-head matchup between the two remaining <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/democratic-primary\/\" type=\"post_tag\" id=\"2328\">Democratic candidates<\/a> after state Sen. Mallory McMorrow ended her campaign over the weekend, consolidating the race into a two-person contest to take on former Republican Rep. <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/mike-rogers\/\" type=\"post_tag\" id=\"1022\">Mike Rogers<\/a> in one of the nation\u2019s most closely watched Senate races.<\/p>\n<section class=\"explore-more-section\" id=\"wex-recommended-widget\">\n<div class=\"magazine-container single\">\n<h1 class=\"magazine-title mt-2\">Recommended Stories<\/h1>\n<p>             <i class=\"fa-solid fa-play icon\"><\/i>         <\/div>\n<div class=\"explore-grid\">\n<div class=\"explore-card\">                         <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/congressional\/4639810\/graham-platner-ex-condoms-allegations\/?itm_source=parsely-api\">                             <\/p>\n<div class=\"explore-thumb-wrap\">                                                                                                                                  <\/div>\n<h3>Platner ex <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3YuVZYV\" >alleges candidate removed condoms<\/a> during sex without consent: Report<\/h3>\n<p>                         <\/a>                     <\/div>\n<div class=\"explore-card\">                         <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/state\/4639817\/maryland-general-assembly-2028-redistricting-special-session-text-not-released\/?itm_source=parsely-api\">                             <\/p>\n<div class=\"explore-thumb-wrap\">                                                                                                                                  <\/div>\n<h3>Maryland to lay groundwork for 2028 redistricting in August special session<\/h3>\n<p>                         <\/a>                     <\/div>\n<div class=\"explore-card\">                         <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/congressional\/4639747\/graham-platner-replacement-democrats-thinking-different-path\/?itm_source=parsely-api\">                             <\/p>\n<div class=\"explore-thumb-wrap\">                                                                                                                                  <\/div>\n<h3>Graham Platner wants to pick his replacement. Democrats are thinking of a different path<\/h3>\n<p>                         <\/a>                     <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While the candidates debated inflation, immigration, artificial intelligence, Social Security, childcare, and foreign policy, much of the evening centered on an increasingly familiar divide in the <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/democratic-party\/\" type=\"post_tag\" id=\"288\">Democratic Party<\/a>: whether Democrats should embrace an anti-establishment message focused on corporate influence, or campaign primarily on legislative accomplishments and opposition to President Donald Trump.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wex-inarticle-ad wex-inarticle-ad-art-dsk-inart-1\">\n<div class=\"wex-ad-wrap wex-ad-art-dsk-inart-1\" style=\"min-height:90px\"><span class=\"wex-ad-label\" hidden>Advertisement<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-3182201-15\" data-wex-ad=\"art-dsk-inart-1\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-paywall\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">El Sayed, who has been endorsed by progressive figures including Sen. <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/bernie-sanders\/\" type=\"post_tag\" id=\"41\">Bernie Sanders<\/a> (I-VT) and Rep. <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/alexandria-ocasio-cortez\/\" type=\"post_tag\" id=\"282\">Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez<\/a> (D-NY), repeatedly accused Stevens of relying on corporate-backed outside groups and special interests, arguing voters should reject what he described as a political system influenced by wealthy <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/donors\/\" type=\"post_tag\" id=\"2367\">donors<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWe also don\u2019t need politicians bought off by corporations in this race,\u201d el Sayed said early in the debate before returning throughout the night to criticism of outside spending and corporate political influence in Stevens\u2019s campaign.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">El Sayed also cited a trip to Portugal Stevens took with her mother that was paid for by Center Forward, a super PAC that has spent millions to run ads in Stevens\u2019s favor.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wex-inarticle-ad wex-inarticle-ad-art-dsk-inart-2\">\n<div class=\"wex-ad-wrap wex-ad-art-dsk-inart-2\" style=\"min-height:90px\"><span class=\"wex-ad-label\" hidden>Advertisement<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-3182201-16\" data-wex-ad=\"art-dsk-inart-2\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cOur politics have been deeply and profoundly corrupted by corporate money, and I want to get money out,\u201d el Sayed said. \u201cWe won\u2019t talk about transparency. There\u2019s a group called Center Forward that happened to pay for a flight for the congresswoman and her mother to Portugal. I want to understand what she promised them in return.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The attacks echoed themes embraced by other candidates backed by the Democratic Socialists of America and the party\u2019s left wing, with el Sayed arguing Democrats have become too closely aligned with corporate donors rather than working-class voters. He repeatedly promoted Medicare for All, taxing billionaires, free child care, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/billionaire-mega-donor-at-center-of-hunter-biden-art-sales-raises-ethics-concerns\/\" title=\"Billionaire Mega-Donor At Center Of Hunter Biden Art Sales Raises Ethics Concerns\">removing corporate money<\/a> from politics as central priorities.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Stevens countered by arguing Republicans view el Sayed as the easier opponent for Trump-backed Rogers in the general election, repeatedly pointing to GOP spending that she said was intended to boost his candidacy.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wex-inarticle-ad wex-inarticle-ad-art-dsk-inart-3\">\n<div class=\"wex-ad-wrap wex-ad-art-dsk-inart-3\" style=\"min-height:90px\"><span class=\"wex-ad-label\" hidden>Advertisement<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-3182201-17\" data-wex-ad=\"art-dsk-inart-3\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThe GOP is spending thousands of dollars to prop up your campaign because they think they will make it easier for Mike Rogers to win if you are the nominee,\u201d she said. \u201cI do not plan to make anything easier for Republicans or Mike Rogers.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Electability remained a central theme throughout the debate, with Stevens emphasizing she flipped a Republican-held House seat in 2018 and has continued winning competitive races while portraying herself as the Democrat best positioned to keep the Senate seat in Democratic hands.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">She also touted her legislative record in Congress to counter el Sayed\u2019s accusations that she has been swayed by corporate dollars. \u201cNo one owns my vote, and no one owns my policies,\u201d Stevens said.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wex-inarticle-ad wex-inarticle-ad-art-dsk-inart-4\">\n<div class=\"wex-ad-wrap wex-ad-art-dsk-inart-4\" style=\"min-height:90px\"><span class=\"wex-ad-label\" hidden>Advertisement<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-3182201-25\" data-wex-ad=\"art-dsk-inart-4\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/congressional\/4637853\/michigan-senate-primary-democrats-progressives-establishment-el-sayed-haley-stevens\/\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/congressional\/4637853\/michigan-senate-primary-democrats-progressives-establishment-el-sayed-haley-stevens\/\">PROGRESSIVES SEIZE ON MCMORROW EXIT TO EXPAND ANTIESTABLISHMENT PUSH IN MICHIGAN<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Stevens also leaned heavily into a message increasingly used by establishment Democrats ahead of the midterm elections, arguing that stopping Trump and defeating Republicans should remain Democrats\u2019 top priority. Rather than debating the party\u2019s ideological direction, she frequently shifted back to Trump\u2019s policies on tariffs, immigration, Social Security, and the economy while presenting herself as a proven lawmaker.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Democratic primary will determine which competing vision for the party, el Sayed\u2019s anti-establishment progressive message or Stevens\u2019s emphasis on experience and defeating Trump, advances to face Rogers in one of the country\u2019s marquee Senate races.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wex-inarticle-ad wex-inarticle-ad-art-dsk-inart-5\">\n<div class=\"wex-ad-wrap wex-ad-art-dsk-inart-5\" style=\"min-height:90px\"><span class=\"wex-ad-label\" hidden>Advertisement<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-3182201-26\" data-wex-ad=\"art-dsk-inart-5\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Michigan Dem Senate race heats up: El-Sayed slams Stevens<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4130,"featured_media":2626351,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/image-collage-azd2xbkv2-1783473165673-e1783474563988.jpg?1783458851&amp;w=696","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[33651,538],"tags":[50410,82381,6203,5894,82382],"class_list":["post-2626349","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-the-western-journal","category-washington-examiner","tag-controversy-2","tag-el-sayed-2","tag-gop","tag-politics","tag-stevens"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/image-collage-azd2xbkv2-1783473165673-e1783474563988.jpg?1783458851&amp;w=696","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2626349","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4130"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2626349"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2626349\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2626354,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2626349\/revisions\/2626354"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2626351"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2626349"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2626349"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2626349"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}