Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed clarifies he didn't call opponent an "ogre"
A Michigan Democratic Senate candidate made a comment about putting "an ogre on a pike" during a leaked donor call, which sparked criticism from within his own party during a competitive primary race. The candidate later clarified that he was not referring to his primary opponent as an ogre. The remark has become a new point of division in the race.
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National story. 9 articles from 8 sources. Updated Jul 28, 2026.
Part of The 2026 Michigan Senate race: Abdul El-Sayed's Democratic primary win
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1 sourceMichigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed clarifies he didn't call opponent an "ogre"
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6 sources‘Pontiac Platner’: Fetterman Responds to El-Sayed ‘Ogre on a Pike’ Remark
Pennsylvania Sen. Fetterman Fires Back After Michigan Rival Threatens To Put ‘Ogre On A Pike’
Michigan Senate Candidate Defends Remarks Calling Pennsylvania’s Fetterman An ‘Ogre’
Fetterman claps back at Dem Senate hopeful over ‘ogre on a pike’ insult
Michigan Dems Spar At Debate Over Whether El-Sayed Called Opponent An ‘Ogre’
The story so far
2 developments- Jul 27El-Sayed comes under fire for 'ogre on a pike' leaked comment
- Jul 28Fetterman claps back at Dem Senate hopeful over ‘ogre on a pike’ insult
Who covered each development
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Quiet for 81 daysLast development · Jul 28 — Fetterman claps back at Dem Senate hopeful over ‘ogre on a pike’ insult