Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) said he agrees with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) that a victory by Michigan Democratic U.S. Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed would demonstrate that any candidate can win anywhere, according to remarks made Thursday on MS NOW’s “All In.”
Host Chris Hayes asked Sanders about Ocasio-Cortez’s assessment of the race’s stakes, noting that El-Sayed is narrowly ahead in the polling average and that the contest appears close. Hayes quoted Ocasio-Cortez, a friend and endorse of Sanders, as saying, “If Abdul can win in Michigan, anyone can win anywhere.”
Sanders answered directly: “I do.” He described Michigan as a “tough, purple state” and said El-Sayed is running not only against Elon Musk, Trump and the massive sums of money being spent against him, but also against what Sanders characterized as racist attacks.
“Let’s be frank: Trump today just put out a racist statement, calling Abdul a terrorist, etc., etc. They’re trying to foment Islamophobia,” Sanders said. “And that’s tough to deal with.”
Historical parallels
Sanders placed the current race in a broader historical context, pointing to past barriers overcome by presidential candidates. “But I honestly believe that, as a country, way back in 1960, John F. Kennedy had to run against the fact that he was a Catholic. But we overcame that,” he said. “And Obama certainly had to run against the racism of him being black.”
He expressed confidence that Michigan voters would ultimately focus on the issues. “And I’m confident that the people of Michigan are going to look at the issues, understand that Abdul is out there fighting for working people, fighting for healthcare for all, prepared to take on the billionaire class, and he’s going to win this despite the terrible racism that he is experiencing right now in that state.”
High-stakes race
The Michigan Senate contest has drawn national attention as a test of progressive electoral strength in a battleground state. El-Sayed, a former county health director and 2018 gubernatorial candidate, has positioned himself as a champion of Medicare for All and a critic of corporate influence in politics. His campaign has faced a barrage of spending from opponents and outside groups, with Sanders highlighting the involvement of Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur and Trump ally.
Ocasio-Cortez, who has endorsed El-Sayed, has framed the race as a bellwether for progressive candidates nationwide. Her remark—that a win in Michigan would mean “anyone can win anywhere”—has become a rallying cry for the left wing of the Democratic Party, which sees El-Sayed’s candidacy as a proof of concept for running unapologetically on left-wing policies in swing states.
Sanders’ agreement with that assessment underscores the significance the progressive movement is placing on the outcome. While El-Sayed leads narrowly in polling averages, the race remains fluid, and the influx of outside money—including from Musk—could shift the dynamics in the final stretch.
The senator’s remarks also reflect ongoing debates within the Democratic coalition about how best to counter Republican attacks, particularly those that critics say veer into Islamophobia and racism. Trump’s recent statement calling El-Sayed a terrorist, which Sanders referenced, is the latest flashpoint in that discussion.
With less than a month until Election Day, both parties are pouring resources into Michigan. For Democrats, a win by El-Sayed would not only flip a Senate seat but also provide a powerful narrative boost to the progressive wing. For Republicans, holding the seat would be a setback for the left’s momentum and a validation of their aggressive messaging strategy.
Sanders’ comments are likely to further energize his base and reinforce the stakes as he and Ocasio-Cortez continue to campaign for El-Sayed. The coming weeks will determine whether Michigan voters prove them right.
Source: www.breitbart.com — https://www.breitbart.com/clips/2026/10/08/sanders-if-el-sayed-wins-it-shows-anyone-can-win-anywhere/