Republicans tie Democrats to Mamdani in Michigan, Colorado races

As Republicans eagerly seek to tie the Democratic Party to New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, two specific races appear to be early opportunities to do just that: the Michigan Senate primary and Colorado’s 8th Congressional District.

In Michigan, Abdul El-Sayed hopes to become the state’s next U.S. senator. In Colorado, Manny Rutinel is running to unseat freshman Rep. Gabe Evans, R-Colo.

On both fronts, the Republican National Committee (RNC) hopes viewers see a connection to New York’s next mayor.

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RNC spokeswoman Delanie Bomar told Fox News Digital: “Manny Rutinel and Abdul El-Sayed anchored Mamdani thinking it would get them to the finish line. Republicans are watching.”

Republican strategists hope efforts to pin socialism on Democratic candidates will hurt their chances outside New York. This also raises a question for Democratic candidates: Will the immediate momentum of the Mamdani brand bring with it the long-term negatives that Republicans are counting on? Or could similarities to Mamdani’s recent success help them stand out?

El-Sayed walks this line carefully. When asked if he would embrace the idea of ​​becoming the Mamdani of Michigan, El-Sayed said he would build his own image.

“I am Michigan Abdul,” he said. “Always was. I always will be.”

But like Mamdani, El-Sayed has made affordability and the role of government important parts of his campaign. In addition to calling for lower housing costs, he advocates for Medicare for all, opposes corporate tax cuts, and supports free access to higher education. He expects voters in New York, Michigan and other areas to move in that direction.

“You’re definitely seeing that kind of echo here in Michigan. And I’m not surprised you’re seeing it in New York as well. The government should be prepared to create a level playing field for everyone and provide the basic things that everyone needs and deserves,” El-Sayed said. he said.

El-Sayed supported Mamdani ahead of last week’s mayoral elections.

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The podium (not pictured) with New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani preparing for an election night event at The Brooklyn Paramount Theater in New York City, November 4, 2025. (Adam Gray/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Rutinel, the Democratic challenger in Colorado, has not made his policy platform as clear. The first-term state representative does not have any positions listed on his website. And aside from signing a letter calling for the release of an ICE detainee, he has made no public statements that would distinguish him from much of the Democratic Party.

This, however, did not stop the Congress Leadership Fund (CLF) from making the Mamdani connection.

CLF, an arm of the House Republican fundraising apparatus. A video posted to Instagram A Mamdani campaign rally is presented as evidence that Rutinel belongs in the same league as Mamdani.

In the video, someone who briefly resembles Rutinel is seen standing behind Mamdani.

“What does the CO-08 race have in common with the NYC Mayoral Race? Democrat Manny Rutinel is campaigning in both,” CLF recently said in one of its ads.

Routine’s campaign did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

The office of Evans, the current representative for Colorado’s 8th Congressional District, did not immediately contact Mamdani but revealed that New York and Colorado have very different electorates. They suggested that an attempt to replicate Mamdani’s strategy in Colorado would produce different results in the Centennial State.

“When people tell you who they are, believe them. Democrats have fully supported the far-left socialist, extremist base of their party; the same base that is anti-law enforcement and works instead of rewarding handcuffs. These policies may be sold in New York, but Coloradans aren’t buying it,” a spokesman for Evans said.

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Rep. Gabe Evans, R-Colo., speaks during the Congressional Hispanic Conference press conference at the U.S. Capitol on March 25, 2025 in Washington. (Bill Clark/Getty)

One strategist familiar with the thinking of campaigns in Colorado and Michigan believes more Democrats could use the obvious resemblance to Mamdani to gain ground in the short term, especially after Tuesday’s elections.

“I think — at least in crowded primaries — a lot of candidates think they have to get through the primary,” the strategist said. “This situation angers the base. The base sees Mamdani as the new face of the party. They finally caught someone.”

“I don’t think this will be useful in the general election,” they added.

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Bomar, the RNC spokesman, said Republicans will wait if more Democrats decide to lean into that affiliation.

“Americans don’t want to be part of socialism, and Mamdani will eventually ruin the Democrats’ chances nationwide,” Bomar said.