Ocasio-Cortez Campaigns for Abdul El-Sayed in Upper Peninsula
Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez joined Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed for campaign events in Michigan's Upper Peninsula to target Republican-leaning voters.
U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez campaigned for Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan's Upper Peninsula on October 15, 2026. During a rally of over 300 people at the Miracle of Life Educational Pavilion in Escanaba, Ocasio-Cortez appealed directly to Republican voters, urging them to maintain an open mind and stating that the country is "better together than we are apart."
El-Sayed held three town halls across the region to engage voters in a geographic area that traditionally supports Republican candidates. During the Escanaba stop, the candidates discussed the rising cost of living and the healthcare system. The campaign tour is scheduled to move to the Detroit area on October 16 ahead of the general election on November 3.
Separately, El-Sayed appeared in a video at a gas station consuming snacks and Gatorade. Critics characterized the appearance as a performative attempt to appeal to Black voters following reports that El-Sayed is underperforming with that demographic.
