DETROIT — Supporters of Michigan Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed told Fox News Digital the Great Lake State is due for a progressive champion and person of color in statewide office.
“I personally think he’s resonating with people in Michigan because he is a person of color, obviously, and then, secondly, he gets down, and he’s 10 toes down,” said Emily Walker, a teacher at Cass Technical High School, the venue where El-Sayed hosted a rally on Saturday.
“He’s out here with the people. He’s knocking on doors. He’s talking to the community,” Walker added. “He’s also a medical professional, and I just feel like he’s very educated, and he understands what’s going on in policies.”
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Fox News Digital spoke with voters outside Cass Technical High School, where El-Sayed hosted a campaign rally featuring former President Barack Obama Saturday.
Obama’s appearance alongside El-Sayed became a major event as the progressive candidate continues working to consolidate backing across the Democratic Party spectrum ahead of the November general election against Republican nominee Mike Rogers.
While exiting the overflow venue, supporters were asked for their thoughts on guaranteed income programs and whether candidates should campaign for them.
“I think we need a major change in what we have with Donald Trump and his cohorts,” said Dave, an attendee at the event. “The Democrats, I don’t think, have been listening well enough. I think we need to change big time instead of just slowly.”
Kiana Montgomery, a publicist attending the rally, agreed that El-Sayed’s message aligns with what local voters are seeking.
“I think he won because he is speaking to the things that are important to people: education, healthcare and bringing down the costs that are going on right now,” Montgomery said. “People are trying to do more than just exist. They’re trying to thrive, and they’re unable to do that in the economic times right now.”
El-Sayed’s campaign platform centers heavily on universal healthcare through Medicare-for-all, raising the federal minimum wage and expanding social safety net initiatives. He has also voiced support for guaranteed income program, government-distributed financial assistance provided without strings attached, to support residents during economic hardship or pregnancy.
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Jamal Jenkins told Fox News Digital progressive proposals are finding traction because voters want tangible action on the cost of living.
“I think a progressive is resonating because people want to see more action towards putting a dent into affordability,” Jenkins said. “When you look at corporate profits and the wealth gap between the wealthy, the shrinking middle class and the impoverished, I think folks want to see action. So, more people are actively participating in a positive way in the economy and can live a dignified life.
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“I think everybody wants the same thing for themselves and for their kids,” Jenkins added. “Just to have a shot at an education, a good life, work-life balance and to live life without having to struggle as much for reasons that really don’t make much sense.”
El-Sayed, an epidemiologist and former Wayne County health director, has made expanding healthcare coverage a central focus of his bid to succeed retiring Democratic Sen. Gary Peters. He has consistently championed Medicare-for-all to create a government-funded health coverage system.
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Mohammed, a resident of Bloomfield Hills, said El-Sayed brings fresh perspective to economic and foreign policy discussions.
“The old way of doing business isn’t working anymore,” Mohammed said. “We don’t want to see our money being taken away from us. We want to see our money being used for the children here, for the elderly here and for those in need. With our grocery prices and gas prices being the way they are, we shouldn’t be fighting stupid wars anymore, as he keeps saying.
“I think for all of us as citizens of Michigan, he’s a better fit because he’s looking out for us as opposed to big pharma and PACs.”
El-Sayed has bristled at media questions about his criticism of Israel, which has become a mainstream position in the Democratic Party, saying it distracts from issues voters want to talk about.
El-Sayed and Mike Rogers’ campaigns did not respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.