<p>Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-SC) expressed his support for Democratic Michigan Senate nominee Abdul el Sayed following el Sayed's apology for comments that some Democratic establishment figures viewed as antisemitic and for his association with left-wing streamer Hasan Piker.</p>
<p>During a Sunday appearance on NBC News’s Meet the Press, Clyburn stated that he had spoken with el Sayed and would support him in the general election.</p>
<p>“I have spoken with the good doctor. He’s our nominee. I support his election. I take him at his word. He has apologized. He says he will not campaign with Piker anymore. I’d say that it’s worth checking him at his word,” Clyburn said. “All of us deserve second chances.”</p>
<p>Clyburn referred to Hasan Piker, a left-wing streamer known for controversial statements, including remarks about the September 11 attacks.</p>
<p>El Sayed's comments, which he later apologized for, were made in March after a Lebanese immigrant drove a truck into a Michigan synagogue. At that time, el Sayed stated, “violence is a cycle” and “hurt people hurt people.” He apologized to the Michigan Democratic Jewish Caucus on Saturday, expressing regret if his statement caused pain.</p>
<p>“That was not what I intended,” he said.</p>
<p>Clyburn’s support for el Sayed represents a challenge to the Democratic establishment's previous attempts to limit the influence of candidates aligned with the Democratic Socialists of America. El Sayed defeated the establishment's favored candidate, Rep. Haley Stevens (D-MI), in a notable primary contest.</p>