El-Sayed takes Senate campaign into Michigan’s Republican-leaning Upper Peninsula

Abdul El-Sayed took his Michigan Senate campaign through three stops in the Upper Peninsula last week, seeking support in a region where about 60% voted for Donald Trump in 2024, NPR reported on October 19.

Hundreds attended his rally at Northern Michigan University in Marquette. El-Sayed told reporters that residents were concerned about fuel and grocery prices and being taken advantage of by a billionaire from New York, according to the transcript.

Healthcare is a key issue in a region where some residents travel at least 100 miles to see a specialist, NPR reported. Republican state Representative Karl Bohnak, who supports Mike Rogers, questioned how El-Sayed’s Medicare for All proposal would be paid for.

Former Democratic congressman Bart Stupak said showing up helped El-Sayed connect with voters, including disenchanted Republicans. But Stupak also said some positions gave him pause and he had not yet voted. In Escanaba, El-Sayed urged supporters to discuss Medicare for All and money in politics with conservative relatives and friends.