Senate Democrats meet with Abdul El-Sayed, rallying around Michigan nominee

September 16, 2026 / 3:14 PM EDT / CBS News

Washington — Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed met with Senate Democrats on Wednesday as they look to rally around his candidacy in the final sprint to November's election.

Leaving the meeting, which took place at the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee headquarters near the Capitol, Senate Democrats expressed enthusiasm around El-Sayed and his message.

"He's a great candidate. He's going to win, and we are all united," said Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand of New York, who chairs the DSCC.

El-Sayed won the Michigan Democratic primary last month against a more moderate candidate who was recruited by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. But since then, Democrats have sought to bridge ideological divides on display this cycle, as they fight to hold onto the seat following Sen. Gary Peters' decision not to seek reelection.

Peters told reporters that the meeting was "a great opportunity" for senators to meet El-Sayed "and understand he's really a great, strong candidate."

"He certainly showed that to everybody, and we're all excited about his campaign," Peters said. "And I know they're all looking forward to serving with him when he wins this fall."

Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona…

Original source: https://www.cbsnews.com/healthwatch/