EXCLUSIVE — Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed’s former political action committee spent only about 13% of the money it raised directly supporting candidates and ballot initiatives, according to campaign finance records reviewed by the Washington Examiner, while large sums instead went to consultants tied to his book and podcast projects.The records show Southpaw MI PAC, which El-Sayed launched after his unsuccessful 2018 gubernatorial bid, raised roughly $422,806 during its time operating as both a Michigan state PAC and later a federal hybrid PAC, but only about $56,470 was reportedly spent supporting candidates or ballot initiatives.By contrast, Southpaw reported spending roughly $268,333, or about 63% of the money it raised, on consultants and related services that were not itemized as direct support for candidates or ballot initiatives.
The campaign disputed the significance of those figures, arguing Southpaw’s support for progressive candidates extended beyond direct financial contributions.
El-Sayed created Southpaw MI PAC in 2018 following a failed run for governor, describing the organization at the time as an effort focused on electing progressive candidates and supporting statewide ballot initiatives.
