The People vs. Money: El Sayed's Progressive Rise in a Sea of Cash In the 2026 primary election, Abdul El Sayed's underdog campaign defied expectations by winning over voters despite being outspent 9 to 1.
The contrast between his grassroots appeal and Rep. Haley Stevens' money fueled machine highlights the challenges facing Democrats in the general election.
El Sayed's message of "Money out of politics" resonated with voters tired of seeing their elected officials beholden to corporate and foreign donors.