Overview
- The open Michigan Senate seat is a toss‑up that could help determine control of the U.S. Senate, making the race a national priority for both parties.
- Republicans have escalated attacks tying Democrat Abdul El‑Sayed to the Muslim Brotherhood, citing old court exhibits and family social posts to question his loyalty.
- El‑Sayed has publicly disavowed the Muslim Brotherhood and defended his patriotism in debates as the campaigns trade sharp identity and credibility lines.
- Reporting and fact‑checkers note El‑Sayed has used the title “doctor” despite state licensing records showing no physician license and that controversial surrogate appearances with streamer Hasan Piker have been highlighted by critics.
- Both sides are deploying top surrogates and heavy outside spending to drive turnout in early and in‑person voting with Obama and Sanders campaigning for El‑Sayed and President Trump and Ted Cruz set to rally for Mike Rogers.