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Democratic Senate Candidate Blames Iran-Israel Focus, Calls Opponent AIPAC-Backed

7/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

Democratic Senate candidate Dr. Abdul El-Sayed told CNN’s Jake Tapper (CNN) the Iran-Israel focus distracts Michigan voters.
He said Michigan residents can’t afford needs, lack health care, worry about schools, and want federal dollars spent locally.
El-Sayed called the questioning of his Khamenei comment a “ridiculous pretext,” noted the interview omitted service members killed in Iran attack, and called Rep. Haley Stevens a “suit with a large AIPAC bank account.”

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Story summary

Democratic Senate candidate Dr. Abdul El-Sayed told CNN’s Jake Tapper (CNN) the Iran-Israel focus distracts Michigan voters.
He said Michigan residents can’t afford needs, lack health care, worry about schools, and want federal dollars spent locally.
El-Sayed called the questioning of his Khamenei comment a “ridiculous pretext,” noted the interview omitted service members killed in Iran attack, and called Rep. Haley Stevens a “suit with a large AIPAC bank account.”