Florida Democratic Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz delivered sharp criticism of Michigan U.S. Senate candidate El-Sayed during an appearance on CNN Friday, arguing he has failed to adequately address concerns from the Jewish community and questioning his response to a controversial campaign advertisement.
Speaking on “The Lead,” Wasserman Schultz said she does not believe El-Sayed has sufficiently addressed worries about what she described as his “incendiary comments” that have troubled Jewish voters in Michigan. Her remarks came amid ongoing discussion about an advertisement running in the Michigan Senate race that has drawn widespread condemnation.
Controversial Ad Links Israel to Economic Concerns
The contentious advertisement, which reportedly runs in support of El-Sayed, suggests a connection between Israeli policy and rising consumer costs in the United States, including gas prices and grocery expenses. According to Wasserman Schultz, the ad attempts to blame “Jews and Israelis” for economic problems that she argues should instead be attributed to former President Donald Trump’s policies.
“For an ad to be running against his opponent, in support of — theoretically, in support of El-Sayed, to suggest that gas prices and costs at the grocery store increasing are the fault of Jews and Israelis, as opposed to laying it right at the feet where it belongs, and that is Donald Trump and his horrific policies, I just — it’s incomprehensible to me that he hasn’t forcefully condemned it and insisted that the ad come down,” Wasserman Schultz stated.
Calls for Stronger Condemnation
Drawing on her own experience as a candidate, Wasserman Schultz explained that political figures have significant influence over advertisements run on their behalf, even when not directly produced by their campaigns. She emphasized that candidates possess the leverage necessary to demand removal of content they find objectionable.
“As a candidate, myself, I know what leverage you have and the weight that you can use to insist that people who have put an ad up that you don’t agree with, that you can demand that they take it down, you can condemn it,” she explained during the interview.
The Florida congresswoman characterized El-Sayed’s response to the advertisement as insufficient, saying it remains “incomprehensible” that he has not taken stronger action to distance himself from the messaging.
Balanced Criticism of Both Candidates
While delivering pointed criticism of El-Sayed, Wasserman Schultz also made clear she does not support his Republican opponent in the race. “Well, I certainly don’t think that MAGA Mike Rogers should be elected to the United States Senate,” she said, referring to the Republican candidate by a nickname linking him to former President Trump’s political movement.
Her comments reflect a delicate political position — opposing both candidates in the race, albeit for different reasons. Wasserman Schultz’s criticism of El-Sayed focused specifically on his handling of concerns from Jewish constituents and his response to the controversial advertising, while her opposition to Rogers stems from his political alignment.
Ongoing Tensions in Michigan Politics
The Michigan Senate race has emerged as a flashpoint for discussions about Middle East policy, antisemitism, and the Democratic Party’s internal divisions on Israel. Michigan’s significant Arab American and Muslim population, particularly concentrated in areas like Dearborn, has made the state’s political landscape especially complex when it comes to issues involving Israel and Palestinian rights.
El-Sayed, whose campaign has drawn support from some progressive activists, now faces pressure from establishment Democrats like Wasserman Schultz to more directly address the concerns she outlined. The controversy over the advertisement adds another layer of complication to an already competitive Senate race in a key battleground state.
Wasserman Schultz, who previously served as chair of the Democratic National Committee, has been a consistent voice on issues affecting the Jewish community and has frequently spoken out against antisemitism in various forms. Her willingness to publicly criticize a Democratic candidate underscores the seriousness with which she views the concerns raised about El-Sayed’s rhetoric and response to the controversial advertising.
The Michigan Senate seat represents a crucial target for both parties as they vie for control of the upper chamber, making the internal Democratic tensions over this race particularly significant for the party’s broader electoral strategy.
Source: www.breitbart.com — https://www.breitbart.com/clips/2026/10/30/wasserman-schultz-el-sayed-hasnt-done-enough-to-address-concerns-about-his-own-comments-incomphrensible-he-wont-strongly-condemn-ad/