El-Sayed ad uses conservative praise to target MAGA voters

Abdul El-Sayed’s campaign has launched a Senate-election ad built around conservative figures’ praise of the Democrat and criticism of Republican nominee Mike Rogers, making a direct appeal to voters who identify with the MAGA movement. The ad, titled “Red Hat,” opens with El-Sayed saying he believes he and viewers agree on several issues. It then uses clips of conservative commentators and public figures discussing El-Sayed or Rogers. The campaign’s message draws on statements from figures familiar to conservative audiences rather than relying only on El-Sayed’s own pitch. Among the clips, Fox News host Jesse Watters says El-Sayed “beat the machine,” while commentator Saagar Enjeti describes his campaign as “America First.” Former Fox News host Tucker Carlson says he would not vote for Rogers “at gunpoint.” The ad also includes remarks from Lara Trump, Lidia Curanaj and Republican Representative Nancy Mace. The excerpts are presented as part of the campaign’s case that El-Sayed has points of common ground with conservative voters. El-Sayed’s campaign said the ad would run exclusively on Fox News and Newsmax through Election Day, November 3, as part of a six-figure advertising...