Jeffrey Soros, nephew of billionaire George Soros and CEO of the Los Angeles Media Fund, described his long-standing relationship with Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed at a private gathering. Footage reviewed by Fox News Digital shows the Hollywood producer explaining how he helped launch El-Sayed's career during a Monday night event.
Soros stated that he has known El-Sayed since 2012, when he interviewed the candidate as a finalist for the Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowship for New Americans. The fellowship is designed to support immigrants and the children of immigrants in the United States by providing stipends and tuition support. El-Sayed won the award in 2012, and the program listed him on its website as a success story.
The event, held at Soros's home, drew controversy given El-Sayed's campaign focus on reducing the influence of money in politics. Organizers asked attendees not to record the event, a practice Fox News Digital noted is common at political fundraisers. A flyer promoting the gathering indicated that attendees could donate up to $57,800 to the Abdul for Michigan Victory Fund, according to previous reporting by Fox News Digital.
El-Sayed has frequently criticized wealthy donors during his campaign. In a 2025 interview with local news, he described the political system as fundamentally corrupted by corporations and billionaires buying politicians. He stated his goal was to get money out of politics and pass Medicare for all.
The disclosure comes as the Soros family has reportedly contributed millions to political committees supporting El-Sayed's Senate run. Alyssa Brouillet, communications director for Republican nominee Mike Rogers, criticized El-Sayed for accepting these funds after previously seeking support from Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. Brouillet told Fox News Digital that El-Sayed's actions demonstrate a lack of trustworthiness.
El-Sayed's campaign responded by arguing that corporate special interests are spending millions in dark money to buy Rogers a Senate seat. The campaign contended that Rogers has spent his career enriching himself and his donors while Michiganders pay the price. Neither El-Sayed's campaign nor the Los Angeles Media Fund responded to requests for comment on Tuesday.