Bruce Springsteen Backs Abdul El-Sayed as Michigan Democrats Split Over Senate Race

Bruce Springsteen endorsed Michigan Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed on Monday, November 2, 2026, one day before the midterm elections and following a surprise decision by Democratic Rep. Haley Stevens to support his Republican opponent, Mike Rogers.

The musician praised El-Sayed as a defender of the Constitution and American democracy, declaring his full support for the former public health official as he competes with Rogers for the Senate seat being vacated by retiring Democratic Sen. Gary Peters.

“Dr. El-Sayed is a fighter for our American Constitution, he’s a fighter for our American Democracy,” Springsteen wrote on social media. He also criticized President Donald Trump’s administration, calling its leadership “corrupt, lawless, and anti-American,” before adding, “That’s why I’m in his corner 100%.”

Springsteen's endorsement followed Stevens' announcement Sunday that she would support Rogers despite previously criticizing the former Republican congressman as a reliable ally of Trump.

Stevens lost the Democratic Senate primary to El-Sayed in August, and tensions between the two continued over campaign strategy and political disagreements. Her decision to endorse Rogers followed a dispute surrounding a planned campaign event from which she said she had been excluded.

The congresswoman appeared with Rogers at a Detroit church before announcing her support for his Senate bid. She maintained that she would continue backing Democratic candidates in other races.

El-Sayed dismissed the controversy when asked about Stevens' decision, directing attention instead to the financial pressures facing Michigan families.

“None of this matters,” he said, pointing to concerns about the cost of groceries, access to medical care and the condition of public schools. The former Detroit health director has emphasized healthcare affordability, education and household expenses throughout his campaign.

Springsteen, a longtime supporter of Democratic candidates and outspoken critic of Trump, has continued using his music and public appearances to challenge the administration. Earlier this year, he released “Streets of Minneapolis,” a protest song addressing federal immigration enforcement and the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti.

The musician also incorporated political commentary into his Land of Hope and Dreams Tour, which opened in Minneapolis on March 31.

Michigan voters will decide Tuesday, November 3, whether El-Sayed or Rogers will succeed Peters in the U.S. Senate. The contest is among the races determining the balance of power in Congress following the midterm elections.