Michigan NAN Chapter President Opposes El-Sayed
The leader of the Michigan chapter of the National Action Network publicly voiced his opposition to candidate Abdul El-Sayed.
Updated on Oct. 31, 2026 in African-American
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Charles E. Williams II, president of the Michigan National Action Network, criticized Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed in an undercover video. Williams stated he prefers Haley Stevens in the Democratic primary, citing personal and cultural concerns.
Why it matters
The comments highlight ongoing friction within the Democratic Party as candidates work to secure support from key demographics in Michigan. The divide over El-Sayed underscores the challenge of coalition building ahead of the upcoming primary.
A September 2026 poll identifies a 16-percentage-point gap between general Democratic support and support for El-Sayed among black voters. Additionally, the black population in the Benton Harbor neighborhood where El-Sayed spoke is 82%.
The players
Charles E. Williams II
He serves as the Michigan chapter president of the National Action Network.
Abdul El-Sayed
He is a Democratic Senate candidate currently campaigning across the state of Michigan.
Haley Stevens
She is a candidate for the Democratic primary and the preferred choice of Charles E. Williams II.
Al Sharpton
He is a prominent civil rights activist and the founder of the National Action Network.
The details
The comments from Williams were captured in an undercover video recorded outside the King Solomon Missionary Baptist Church. This footage was subsequently obtained and released by The Midwesterner.
Timeline
September 2026: A Washington Post-Schar School poll was conducted regarding voter support.
Saturday, October 24, 2026: Charles E. Williams II recorded the undercover video outside his church.
Tuesday, October 27, 2026: Al Sharpton visited Detroit to rally get-out-the-vote efforts.
Thursday, October 29, 2026: Abdul El-Sayed spoke at the Historic Second Baptist Church in Benton Harbor.
Culture Shift
This dispute illustrates a significant tension within the Democratic coalition as measured by the Washington Post-Schar School poll. It marks a departure from unified party support, highlighting the internal debate over cultural credibility in modern Michigan politics.
The public opposition from community leaders may influence how residents in cities like Detroit and Benton Harbor evaluate their options for the Democratic primary. Voters should monitor these developments as they may signal broader shifts in candidate momentum before the vote.
The takeaway
Disagreements among community leaders and political candidates are a standard part of the primary process as different factions seek to represent their base. Residents should continue to follow the campaign rhetoric to understand how these viewpoints align with their own priorities.
Further reading
For more on local community issues, visit the African-American section.
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