MICHIGAN — Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen endorsed Abdul El-Sayed in the Michigan Democratic Senate primary on June 25, 2026. "I think it's pretty clear that Abdul is the candidate who can build a grassroots movement and others are not," Van Hollen said.

Van Hollen stated that his endorsement was meant to confront the status quo. "When I say the status quo, I mean not just the lawless Trump administration, but take on the Democratic establishment that has not fought hard enough for working people," he said. He added, "This is not about left versus right. This is about very concentrated economic and political power at the top, and everybody else."

El-Sayed described Van Hollen's endorsement as the "culmination of an ongoing conversation." El-Sayed previously served as the Wayne County health director. He supports Medicare for All and halting all U.S. weapons transfers to Israel.

The United Auto Workers also endorsed El-Sayed in the Michigan Democratic Senate primary. El-Sayed campaigned with streamer Hasan Piker. Piker previously stated that "America deserved 9/11."

Why It Matters

The endorsement by Senator Van Hollen in a Democratic primary signals a focus on candidates who challenge the party's established leadership, aligning with El-Sayed's stated goals. This support also indicates a divergence from the endorsements seen in other primary races, such as Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer's endorsement of Gov. Janet Mills in the Maine Democratic Senate primary. Graham Platner won the nomination in that race.