Michigan Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed defended his financial ties to the Soros family after criticizing his Republican opponent, Mike Rogers, for accepting corporate money. The exchange highlights a central tension in El-Sayed's campaign, which promises to remove money from politics while relying on support from wealthy individuals and political committees.
During an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, El-Sayed addressed questions from anchor Martha MacCallum regarding his relationship with billionaire George Soros. MacCallum noted that El-Sayed's graduate education was partially funded by the Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans. She also referenced footage showing Jeffrey Soros, George Soros' nephew, hosting El-Sayed at a Los Angeles fundraiser last month. El-Sayed acknowledged the relationships, stating that he welcomes support from individuals who wish to contribute to his campaign.
El-Sayed drew a sharp distinction between individual donors and corporate entities. He argued that corporations should not be able to buy politicians, a practice he described as turning a blind eye to issues like prescription drug prices. "You know what I don't do? I don't call corporations. I don't call AIPAC," El-Sayed said. He contended that accepting support from wealthy individuals is fundamentally different from soliciting money from corporate interests.
The interview also focused on the $30 million pledged by the Senate Majority PAC to support El-Sayed's bid. When MacCallum asked if that money ultimately came from corporations and whether those interests would expect votes in return, El-Sayed insisted they would not. He stated that he has made it clear he is not interested in doing the bidding of corporations and would not sit down with corporate lobbyists. "We need to get the corporations out, and right now corporations are buying politicians at a record clip," he said.
El-Sayed argued that lobbyists shape lawmakers' votes and divert attention from constituents. He pointed out that the same corporations often fund politicians on both sides of the aisle, a dynamic he aims to end. "I don't think they should be able to buy any of us. And that's exactly what I want to end," he said. He reiterated that his goal is to fully remove corporate money from politics.
These remarks come as former President Barack Obama is expected to join El-Sayed on the campaign trail in Michigan later this month. The appearance is part of the Democratic Party's final push ahead of the midterm elections. In the same interview, El-Sayed also discussed foreign policy, arguing that Iran's nuclear threat had been contained before President Donald Trump launched war. He further stated that he does not intend to choke out billionaires.