Rahm Emanuel backs Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan Senate race

Former U.S. ambassador and lifelong Democrat Rahm Emanuel expressed support for Abdul El-Sayed, the far-left candidate in a highly contested Michigan Senate race, while simultaneously declaring that democratic socialists do not belong in his party. Emanuel made these remarks to Fox News Digital at the Texas Tribune Festival in Austin, Texas, where he is mulling a 2028 presidential bid.

Emanuel characterized democratic socialists as a separate political entity, stating, "Democratic Socialists are a separate party. I'll see you in November." Despite this distinction, he acknowledged that members of the Democratic Socialists of America have made significant inroads on the Democratic ballot in the 2026 midterms. Democratic socialists won several congressional Democratic primaries across the country, including three candidates in New York City endorsed by Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Chris Rabb in Pennsylvania, Melat Kiros in Colorado, and Florida Senate hopeful Angie Dixon.

While conceding these gains, Emanuel insisted there is no "takeover" of the Democratic Party by progressive elements. He argued that the party's official position does not support defunding the police or open borders and prisons. He urged candidates to run on such platforms if they wish to represent those views, noting that he does not and that they are not the party's stance. He described the tension between the progressive and pragmatic wings as healthy debate within a coalition party, emphasizing that swing voters in swing states determine presidential elections.

Prominent Democratic Socialists, including Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, have rallied behind El-Sayed, although El-Sayed has claimed not to be a socialist himself. During his appearance at the Texas Tribune Festival, Emanuel praised Democratic Texas Senate nominee James Talarico, calling him "strong" and admiring his comfort discussing his faith. When asked by Fox News Digital if he supports El-Sayed's candidacy, Emanuel initially hedged, stating that it matters what Michigan voters think and that he supports Democrats winning the Senate.

Pressed by Fox News Digital on whether he effectively hopes El-Sayed wins the race for Democrats, Emanuel confirmed his support with a simple affirmative. The report was contributed to by Brian Flood of Fox News Digital.