Public disputes concerning the 2026 U.S. midterm election cycle, including campaigns, candidates, conventions, advertising, endorsements, and election-related policy promises.
Case
After the Temple Israel attack, Abdul El-Sayed condemned antisemitism but linked the assailant’s actions to an Israeli airstrike that killed relatives, describing violence as a cycle. Critics said it rationalized the attack or shifted responsibility; El-Sayed denied justification and later apologized for adding context.
Role at the time: Republican nominee for U.S. Senate in Michigan, issuing an official campaign statement
Responding to
Abdul El-Sayed believes the United States deserved the September 11 attacks.
"Never in a million years did I think that I would be running against someone who believes America deserved 9/11."
The accusation is an explicit adverse judgment about El-Sayed’s beliefs and fitness for office.
Role at the time: Democratic U.S. Senate candidate in Michigan, interviewed on Fox & Friends
Responding to
Appearing at a political event with Hasan Piker does not establish agreement with all of Piker’s statements.
"Of course I don’t think 9/11 was justified."
He combined rejection of the underlying sentiment with a defense of the campaign appearance; neither unconditional endorsement nor complete disavowal describes both parts.
Role at the time: Host of The Bulwark Podcast
Responding to
El-Sayed's cycle-of-violence framing rationalized the antisemitic attack or improperly shifted explanatory responsibility toward Israel and Jews.
"Anyone who would think a statement condemning a terorrist attack on a synagogue is a 'risk' is insane and should be fired from the campaign."
The authored post directly rejects the political hesitation surrounding condemnation of the attack.
Role at the time: Republican U.S. Senate candidate in Michigan
Responding to
El-Sayed's cycle-of-violence framing rationalized the antisemitic attack or improperly shifted explanatory responsibility toward Israel and Jews.
"If you're having a moral crisis over whether to condemn terrorism, you're unfit for office."
The statement treats El-Sayed's contextualization as disqualifying sympathy for the assailant.
Role at the time: U.S. Senate candidate in Michigan
Responding to
The Temple Israel attack should be understood in part through the cycle of violence created by the regional war and the Israeli airstrike that killed members of the assailant's family.
"It was a risk."
On the recorded campaign call he positively justifies publishing his explanation as principled leadership. This is substantive defense of his decision, not merely disputing a label.
Rabbi at Congregation Shaarey Zedek in Southfield, Michigan, and president of the Michigan Board of Rabbis.
1 case and 1 statement
Rabbi leading Temple Beth Emeth in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
1 case and 1 statement
Jamie Raskin is a Democratic United States representative from Maryland and a constitutional-law scholar. He serves on the House Judiciary Committee and previously taught constitutional law.
1 case and 1 statement
Republican member of the United States House of Representatives from Florida.
1 case and 1 statement
Travis Akers is an American educator, retired U.S. Navy intelligence officer, and advocate for military families. Based in Jacksonville, Florida, he writes and speaks about veterans' affairs, public education, gun safety, and politics.
1 case and 1 statement
Mike Collins is a Republican U.S. representative from Georgia's 10th Congressional District and the Republican nominee for the 2026 United States Senate election in Georgia.
2 cases and 3 statements
United States representative from California.
1 case and 1 statement
United States representative from Michigan.
1 case and 1 statement
Florida state representative and 2026 Democratic nominee for the United States Senate.
1 case and 1 statement
Michigan state senator representing the 8th district and former industrial designer.
1 case and 1 statement
Andrew Kolvet is a political media host and spokesperson associated with Turning Point USA and The Charlie Kirk Show.
2 cases and 2 statements
Jim Clyburn is a United States representative from South Carolina.
1 case and 1 statement
