Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://mypepack.gophersport.com/video/?vid=VBPL7EL2ITT Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Abdul El-Sayed, Haley Stevens trade jabs and push policies in U.S. Senate primary debate [1s5qe5gEsM3] Health Updated on August 08, 2026 EDT — Published on August 08, 2026 EDT Former public health official Abdul El-Sayed and Congresswoman Haley Stevens went head to head Tuesday night in a Grand Rapids debate as the August primary nears. The candidates took jabs at each other almost immediately, with both alleging lies at one point, as they seek to carry the Democratic party’s mantel for U.S. Senate. "We do not need a celebrity senator. We need a workhorse," Stevens said. Each candidate returned to attacks throughout the debate. "We also don't need politicians bought off by corporations," El-Sayed said. From El-Sayed's criticisms of Stevens taking money from corporations and the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), to her jabs at the lack of a financial disclosure from El-Sayed. "No one owns my vote and no one owns my policies," Stevens said. "Anyone who is contributing to my Senate campaign is doing so because of my proven record of fighting for Michigan." DETAILS: P77G2gRaHHU 1wYu8b1qTCa RHlHYfDjZcj 6hWoWGW14js 4zZtP63tgFO Pq2ydQTolp4
Former public health official Abdul El-Sayed and Congresswoman Haley Stevens went head to head Tuesday night in a Grand Rapids debate as the August primary nears. The candidates took jabs at each other almost immediately, with both alleging lies at one point, as they seek to carry the Democratic party’s mantel for U.S. Senate. "We do not need a celebrity senator. We need a workhorse," Stevens said. Each candidate returned to attacks throughout the debate. "We also don't need politicians bought off by corporations," El-Sayed said. From El-Sayed's criticisms of Stevens taking money from corporations and the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), to her jabs at the lack of a financial disclosure from El-Sayed. "No one owns my vote and no one owns my policies," Stevens said. "Anyone who is contributing to my Senate campaign is doing so because of my proven record of fighting for Michigan." DETAILS: P77G2gRaHHU 1wYu8b1qTCa RHlHYfDjZcj 6hWoWGW14js 4zZtP63tgFO Pq2ydQTolp4