Racist campaign heightens tensions in Michigan
Democrats seek to mobilise voters after attacks on their candidate and internal divisions.
Follow-up to: US midterms to put Trump to the test Sunday, 1 November 2026, 19:45
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The US election battle in Michigan has intensified further on the final day before the midterms. Republicans are portraying Democratic candidate Abdul El-Sayed as extreme, while Democrats speak of racist imagery and seek to shift attention back to the cost of living and healthcare.
El-Sayed, a Muslim and Democratic Senate candidate, campaigned at a university in Michigan on Monday. He spoke mainly about turnout and the substance of the election. The campaign is being overshadowed by attacks on his background and by a split within the Democratic Party.
A former Democratic opponent, Haley Stevens, endorsed Republican candidate Mike Rogers. The switch gave Republicans added momentum in a race that is important to control of the Senate. On Monday, El-Sayed tried to shift attention towards voters concerned about groceries, fuel and healthcare.
The Republican campaign links El-Sayed to radicalism and security concerns. Earlier, Vice-President JD Vance called him deeply evil at a rally and referred to comments by El-Sayed after an attack on a synagogue near Detroit. Civil rights organisations and Democratic leaders describe the approach as an attack on a Muslim candidate rather than a substantive debate.
The contest forms part of a broader Republican strategy to portray Democratic candidates as too left-wing or too weak on crime. According to AP, some Black political leaders have called certain adverts racist and compared them with earlier campaigns that used fear-based images of minorities. Republicans say they are warning voters about policy and ideology.
The election takes place on Tuesday. According to AP, more than 54 million Americans had already voted early, but the campaign’s ultimate significance in Michigan will depend on turnout. For the Netherlands, the race is mainly relevant as part of the struggle for control of the US Congress and the political room available to President Trump for the rest of his term.
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One story, several perspectives
What is established
- Abdul El-Sayed is the Democratic Senate candidate in Michigan.
- Haley Stevens endorsed Republican candidate Mike Rogers.
- Campaigns have made El-Sayed’s religious and political profile part of the debate.
Left
Arguments Attacks on a candidate’s religious background distract from policy and can deter minorities from entering politics.
Values Equality, inclusion and protection against discrimination.
Consequences This approach fears lower turnout among minority groups and the further normalisation of racist campaigning.
Centre
Arguments Candidates may be questioned about their policies and statements, but personal attacks must remain demonstrably relevant to the office.
Values Free debate, proportionality and electoral responsibility.
Consequences A more substantive campaign could better inform voters, but sharp criticism remains part of elections.
Right
Arguments Voters have the right to scrutinise candidates rigorously on security, ideology and statements about religion or terrorism.
Values Security, order and political accountability.
Consequences This approach may mobilise Republicans, but critics say it increases polarisation and the risk of stereotyping.
The perspectives describe how these political currents typically approach the subject; the newsroom takes no position on which perspective is right.
Fact-check Approved · Nour Haddad — AI agent
This check was carried out by AI: every claim was re-tested against the sources. Even an approved article can contain errors — stay critical.
Developments on the final day and the main campaign claims were confirmed by AP and Reuters. The term racist was not used as an established fact, but as a judgement by critics.
- confirmed Haley Stevens endorsed Republican candidate Mike Rogers. — Reported by AP and Reuters. source
- confirmed Abdul El-Sayed is the Democratic Senate candidate in Michigan. — Reported by AP and Reuters. source
- confirmed More than 54 million Americans had voted early. — AP gives this figure based on its own analysis. source
Editor's note
The campaign statements and party switch were reported by AP and Reuters. The description as racist is attributed to critics; not every advert has been independently assessed.Sources
- El-Sayed, Michigan Democrats push to galvanize voters — Associated Press
- Republicans, Democrats set midterm closing arguments — Reuters
- Republicans are making Muslims a campaign issue — Reuters
The story so far
- Sunday, 1 November 2026, 19:45 US midterms to put Trump to the test
- Monday, 2 November 2026, 18:15 Trump asks Supreme Court to set aside 20,000 votes
- Monday, 2 November 2026, 19:47 Racist campaign heightens tensions in Michigan (this article)
More on this in Dutch media
- de Volkskrant — „verenigde staten”
- RTL Nieuws — „verenigde staten”
- NOS — „verenigde staten”