Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez backed Abdul el Sayed in Michigan, in a blow to Democratic Party leaders who have picked more centrist candidates.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez backed Abdul el Sayed in Michigan, in a blow to Democratic Party leaders who have picked more centrist candidates.

The congresswoman’s endorsement marks the first time she is taking a side in a contested Senate primary.

New York Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez gave her coveted endorsement Thursday to Abdul El-Sayed, a progressive Senate candidate in Michigan who party leaders have…

"Together, we’re proving that even in the face of unprecedented outside spending, a movement powered by the people can win," El-Sayed said.

El Sayed is running a leftist, progressive campaign backed by socialist figures in Michigan, one of the country's most crucial swing states.

Ocasio-Cortez waded into her first contested Senate race of the 2026 cycle on Thursday, endorsing public health official Abdul El-Sayed.