YouTube personality Ms. Rachel donated $3,000 to Abdul El-Sayed's campaign for the Michigan Senate, according to a Federal Election Commission filing dated July 19, 2026. The donation has drawn criticism amid a nationally watched Democratic primary increasingly divided over Israel.

El-Sayed, a progressive candidate, has faced backlash for his comments accusing Israel of committing genocide in Gaza and for holding rallies with far-left streamer Hasan Piker, who previously stated "America deserved 9/11" and later apologized. Jewish Democrats in Michigan have reportedly admitted they would vote Republican if El-Sayed becomes the nominee.

The donation prompted Samantha Cantrell, spokeswoman for the National Republican Senatorial Committee, to warn parents about both Ms. Rachel and El-Sayed, as reported by The New York Post.

Fox News contributors Hugh Hewitt and Lawrence Jones highlighted the division in the Michigan Democratic Senate primary between moderate Haley Stevens and progressive El-Sayed. Hewitt predicted a Republican win in the general election due to potential dissatisfaction on the left.

Separately, Accurso has contributed $3,500 each to congressional candidates Brad Lander and Darializa Avila Chevalier, who were backed by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and defeated Democratic incumbents in June 2026. Accurso's husband, Aron Accurso, also donated $1,500 to Chevalier.

Ms. Rachel has also been involved in immigration advocacy, working with lawyers and activists to close the Dilley Immigration Processing Center in South Texas after accusing it of neglect and child abuse. She continued her efforts by meeting families outside a detention facility in Newark, New Jersey, and urging lawmakers to end family detention.

Sources