Populist triumphs over dark money and establishment politics 

91 percent of MoveOn-endorsed candidates are on track to win their races in this cycle 

MICHIGAN–In response to Dr. Abdul El-Sayed winning his race for the open U.S. Senate seat in Michigan, MoveOn Political Action’s Executive Director Joel Payne released the following statement:

“Congratulations to Senator-elect El-Sayed! Our members endorsed Dr. El-Sayed back in the primary because they understood that beyond a Senate campaign, he built a movement of, by, and for Michiganders. 

“El-Sayed is the real deal: He proved that a bold agenda focused on affordability and standing up to big money is exactly the kind of message and leadership the Democratic Party needs to compete, rebuild trust, and win. Members of the Democratic grassroots have made clear the way forward is to get behind dynamic leaders like Senator-elect El-Sayed and begin the process of choosing Donald Trump’s replacement.” 

MoveOn Political Action’s endorsement and support of El-Sayed was a central part of its largest intervention in Democratic primaries to date. With more than 200,000 active members in Michigan, the group launched billboards, digital ads, mailers, events, member-to-member phone banks, get-out-the-vote efforts, and volunteer canvassing events across the state. MoveOn also hosted a conversation between Dr. Abdul El-Sayed and Jemele Hill, a prominent sports journalist and Detroit native, to connect the Black community with his platform, which reached more than 5 million views across social media. The group focused on engaging both Democratic leaning voters who sat out the 2024 election and Black Michiganders who are crucial to the Democratic coalition. 

El-Sayed’s victory is one of a number of wins for populist candidates who rejected corporate and AIPAC money and centered their campaigns on affordability, healthcare, and working families. 91 percent of MoveOn-endorsed candidates are on track to win their races in this cycle. 

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MoveOn is a people-powered force for progress. MoveOn mobilizes the left to elect Democrats and enact progressive change. We are the home base for millions of members who refuse to accept the status quo and are moved to take action. For more than a generation, MoveOn has been a bulwark against the radical right, channeling our voices to end wars, protect democracy, and advance justice for all.