Abdul El-Sayed
Candidate, U.S. Senate (MI) · Democratic · Michigan
Abdul El-Sayed is a progressive physician and former public-health director running in Michigan’s open 2026 U.S. Senate race; he has not previously held elected office.
Profile last updated Jul 7, 2026 · Center Field Politics
Scout's Report
A high-profile progressive and Medicare for All advocate with a public-health background making his second statewide bid after running for governor in 2018.
Core Strength
Energetic grassroots following, strong small-dollar fundraising, and a clear progressive message.
Core Weakness
No governing or voting record and a left-flank profile in a competitive swing-state primary and general.
Recent Action
Running in the Democratic primary for Michigan’s open 2026 U.S. Senate seat left by Sen. Gary Peters’ retirement.
Key Metrics
- Reliability
- N/A
- Documented Controversies
- 0
- Funding Secured
- N/A
No roll-call record available for a non-incumbent.
Official ethics findings or court records only.
No appropriations history for a non-incumbent candidate.
Where They Stand
Stances on the issues many voters care most about. Where a candidate has not given a clear answer we mark it "Mixed / Partial" or "Unclear" rather than guess. Positions are drawn from official records and bias-labeled news sources; they are descriptive only and are never scored.
Environment—Supports34
Climate protections and regulation versus fewer climate-related regulations on industry.
Backs aggressive climate action and a rapid clean-energy transition.
Healthcare—Supports4
Expanding healthcare coverage for all versus expanding market-based, private insurance.
A leading advocate for single-payer Medicare for All.
Second Amendment—Supports3
New firearm regulations versus no new firearm regulations.
Supports expanded background checks and other firearm-safety measures.
Immigration—Supports3
Pathways to citizenship versus a closed-border approach.
Supports comprehensive reform with a pathway to citizenship.
Roe v. Wade—Supports3
Protecting access to abortion versus restricting access to abortion.
Supports codifying abortion-access protections into federal law.
National Security—Mixed / Partial3
Whether diplomacy or military strength should be the primary national-security priority.
Emphasizes diplomacy and restraint, and skepticism of open-ended Middle East commitments.
Party Loyalty
No voting record yet; loyalty cannot be measured.