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Lisa McClain Labels El-Sayed Borderline Communist in Primary

8/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

Chairwoman Lisa McClain (R-Mich.) called Senate primary winner Abdul El-Sayed a socialist and “borderline communist.”
Abdul El-Sayed, a former public-health official who beat Rep. Haley Stevens (D-Mich.) in the Michigan Senate primary, says he is not a DSA member and calls himself a capitalist.
Chairwoman Lisa McClain warned that El-Sayed’s proposals amount to socialism, cited his “50%” support, and predicted gains with former Rep. Mike Rogers as the GOP nominee.

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Story summary

Chairwoman Lisa McClain (R-Mich.) called Senate primary winner Abdul El-Sayed a socialist and “borderline communist.”
Abdul El-Sayed, a former public-health official who beat Rep. Haley Stevens (D-Mich.) in the Michigan Senate primary, says he is not a DSA member and calls himself a capitalist.
Chairwoman Lisa McClain warned that El-Sayed’s proposals amount to socialism, cited his “50%” support, and predicted gains with former Rep. Mike Rogers as the GOP nominee.