Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed is speaking at Michigan State University Tuesday evening.
He was joined by U.S. Representative Summer Lee of Pennsylvania and left-wing influencer Hasan Piker for a campaign rally at Anthony Hall.
El-Sayed is the former Wayne County Health Director and was a candidate for Michigan governor in 2018.
He's running for state's open U.S. Senate seat this year with a focus on increasing affordable housing, protecting Michigan water and making Medicare for All a reality.
He hoped to re-energize young voters Tuesday by talking about student debt relief and workers' rights as students enter the workforce.
Attendees began lining up around an hour and a half before doors open. Organizers say the event space was at capacity.
El-Sayed has drawn criticism for his decision to campaign with Piker. El-Sayed's opponents have characterized comments made by Piker against Israel’s war in Gaza as antisemitic. But El-Sayed says winning elections requires talking to everyone.
MSU President Kevin Guskiewicz and the Board of Trustees shared a statement Tuesday afternoon regarding Piker's visit to campus:
“As leaders and stewards of Michigan State University, we understand that universities have a role in supporting free speech and encouraging diversity of thought. We uphold these principles as foundational to higher education.
At the same time, we recognize that recent comments attributed to a speaker coming to campus, who the university did not invite, have caused pain and concern, particularly among members of our Jewish community. Antisemitism and discrimination of any kind is unacceptable and inconsistent with our institutional values and has no place in a community grounded in respect, inclusion and dignity.
To combat antisemitism and other forms of bias against members of our diverse community, Michigan State University will continue to provide resources, dialogue, and education consistent with our values and mission."
They also pointed students and campus community members to mental health support services.
Some attendees, like libertarian-turned-progressive Kaitlyn Hargrove, say Piker’s presence is a draw to the rally.
"He offers an alternative point of view that makes a lot of sense for a lot of people. I think he just brings a lot of issues to light in a different way, and I think more people would agree with if they take the time to listen," she said.
Peter, an MSU graduate and current nursing student who did not share his last name, drove from Grand Rapids to East Lansing for the rally.
He says El-Sayed's healthcare policies are especially appealing to him as a voter.
"I like that he is a doctor talking about Medicare for all. I think that actually gives him a lot of credibility when he’s talking about it," he said.
Other attendees say they appreciate his promise to not accept corporate PAC money. State Representative Mallory McMorrow who is also campaigning for the Democratic nomination has made the same pledge.
Attendee Alyssa Pullen says it's important for young voters to stay informed about candidates.
“It’s good to know about the politics that we're going into after our college life. It’s good to know about what's going on in the world and what our politicians are doing to make our lives better.”
El-Sayed is also campaigning at the University of Michigan Tuesday.
El-Sayed is also running against fellow Democrats State Representative Mallory McMorrow, U.S. Representative Haley Stevens, veteran Rachel Howard and Travis Zollner in the August primary election.
This story will be updated.