El-Sayed and Stevens trade jabs over campaign finance, DTE in primary debate

August 1, 2026 - 01:08

The Democratic primary race for Michigan's 11th Congressional District heated up Monday night as Abdul El-Sayed and U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens squared off in a debate that quickly turned personal. The two candidates, who are vying for the same seat after redistricting threw them into the same district, spent much of the evening trading sharp accusations over campaign funding and environmental stances.

El-Sayed, a physician and former Detroit health director, repeatedly attacked Stevens for accepting campaign contributions from corporate political action committees, including those tied to the energy sector. He argued that such donations compromise her ability to hold powerful interests accountable. "You cannot claim to fight for working families while taking checks from the same companies that are raising their rates," El-Sayed said, pointing directly at Stevens during the exchange.

Stevens fired back, defending her record and accusing El-Sayed of running a misleading campaign funded by outside groups. She noted that her opponent had received significant support from national progressive organizations and questioned his commitment to local issues. "I have a proven track record of delivering for Michigan workers, not just showing up for debates," Stevens said. "My opponent is good at giving speeches, but I am good at getting things done."

The debate also touched on DTE Energy, the state's largest utility. El-Sayed called for a more aggressive approach to regulating the company, citing recent rate hikes and reliability problems. He proposed a public advocate office to represent ratepayers in utility proceedings. Stevens acknowledged the frustrations with DTE but stressed the need for a balanced approach that protects jobs while pushing for cleaner energy. She highlighted her work on bipartisan infrastructure legislation that includes investments in grid modernization.

Both candidates agreed on the need to protect abortion rights and expand access to healthcare, but the tone remained tense throughout the evening. The primary election is set for August, and the winner will likely face a Republican challenger in the general election. With the district considered a key battleground, the debate underscored the deep divisions within the Democratic Party over how best to approach corporate influence and environmental policy. Voters in the district will now have to weigh which candidate's vision aligns more closely with their priorities as the campaign enters its final weeks.