Fresh off his narrow victory in Michigan’s Democratic Senate primary, anti-Israel progressive Abdul El-Sayed directly addressed Jewish voters following months of controversy over his rhetoric and political associations.

“I want to speak specifically to an issue that has been focused on in this race,” El-Sayed said.

“To my Jewish American sisters and brothers… I want you to know that my commitment to your safety, my commitment to Jewish safety, is the same commitment that I have to the safety of my own daughters.”

El-Sayed has called Israel’s war against Hamas a “genocide,” demanded an end to unconditional U.S. military aid and campaigned alongside controversial streamer Hasan Piker. His defeated opponent, Rep. Haley Stevens, accused him of blaming his political problems on Jewish Americans after he repeatedly attacked AIPAC’s involvement in the race. El-Sayed, who denies being antisemitic, will now face Republican Mike Rogers in one of America’s most closely watched Senate contests.