Coverage dated July 27, 2026 to July 28, 2026

Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed clarifies he didn't call opponent an "ogre"

Headline from CBS News, on the newest of 2 developments

Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Dr. Abdul El-Sayed on Monday addressed a controversial comment that some assumed was directed at Rep. Haley Stevens, his primary opponent. CBS News' Aaron Navarro has more.

CBS News's own description from its feed. We collect headlines and these descriptions, not full articles; read the original reporting below.

Earlier updates in this story

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2 dated developments, oldest first, newest marked. Each is named by one outlet's own headline; open its reports to see every outlet that covered it.

  1. El-Sayed comes under fire for 'ogre on a pike' leaked comment

    Headline from Politico ·

  2. Newest

    Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed clarifies he didn't call opponent an "ogre"

    Headline from CBS News ·

2 reports not tied to one development ·

Read the reports

Reports & sources

9 articles, oldest first.

  1. Politico

    El-Sayed comes under fire for 'ogre on a pike' leaked comment (opens Politico)

    Published

    Politico's feed description

    The Michigan Senate candidate saw immediate backlash from within his own party amid a tense primary that has divided progressives and moderate Democrats.

  2. RedState

  3. Washington Examiner

    El Sayed swamped with criticism after leaked ‘ogre on a pike’ comment (opens Washington Examiner)

    Published

    Washington Examiner's feed description

    Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul el Sayed is facing backlash from members of his own party after saying that moving the Democratic Party in a more progressive direction would require putting “one ogre on a pike.

  4. The Daily Wire

    Michigan Dems Spar At Debate Over Whether El-Sayed Called Opponent An ‘Ogre’ (opens The Daily Wire)

    Published

    The Daily Wire's feed description

    The final Democratic Senate debate before next week’s Michigan primary was overshadowed Monday night by Abdul El-Sayed’s recently leaked comments about putting the head of an “ogre” on a pike, as rival Rep.

  5. BizPac Review

    Fetterman claps back at Dem Senate hopeful over ‘ogre on a pike’ insult (opens BizPac Review)

    Published

    BizPac Review's feed description

    Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) hit back at Democrat Michigan Senate hopeful Abdul El-Sayed over his recent remarks that the pro-Israel senator is an “ogre” who needs to […]

  6. Tampa Free Press

    Michigan Senate Candidate Defends Remarks Calling Pennsylvania’s Fetterman An ‘Ogre’ (opens Tampa Free Press)

    Published

    Tampa Free Press's feed description

    During the final debate before next week’s primary, Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed defended a disparaging remark he made about Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA). El-Sayed, who has sharply criticized Israel throughout his primary campaign against Rep.

  7. Tampa Free Press

    Pennsylvania Sen. Fetterman Fires Back After Michigan Rival Threatens To Put ‘Ogre On A Pike’ (opens Tampa Free Press)

    Published

    Tampa Free Press's feed description

    Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman isn’t backing down after learning a progressive candidate running for Senate in Michigan told donors he wanted to primary Fetterman and “put one ogre on a pike.” Appearing on CNBC’s Squawk Box, Fetterman brushed off the personal attack with a laugh—and then launched …

  8. The Daily Signal

    ‘Pontiac Platner’: Fetterman Responds to El-Sayed ‘Ogre on a Pike’ Remark (opens The Daily Signal)

    Published

    The Daily Signal's feed description

    “I’d rather be Senator Shrek than Pontiac Platner any day,” Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., said in response to Michigan Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed telling donors he’d be happy to see Fetterman primaried, putting one “ogre on a pike.

  9. CBS News

    Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed clarifies he didn't call opponent an "ogre" (opens CBS News)

    Published

    CBS News's feed description

    Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Dr. Abdul El-Sayed on Monday addressed a controversial comment that some assumed was directed at Rep. Haley Stevens, his primary opponent. CBS News' Aaron Navarro has more.

Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed clarifies he didn't call opponent an "ogre" | Since Then