06-08-2025
Charity group raises $23.5K in medical debt relief for Northern Michigan
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — Keweenaw Indivisible, a grassroots charity group in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, raised more than $23.5K to help relieve medical debt for more than 1,300 families in Michigan's first congressional district.
U.S. Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed said his campaign raised more than $3,600 to support the effort.
The total raised far exceeded its goal of $15,000.
'Efforts like this fundraiser have done a lot to keep people talking about the inhumane burden of medical expenses in the US,' said a representative from Keweenaw Indivisible, according to a news release sent to 6 News by the El-Sayed campaign. 'In addition to our family and friends losing their health coverage as a result of the Big Beautiful Bill, those with health insurance will face higher costs to receive care when so many are already struggling to make ends meet. The need for real healthcare reform – universal coverage – is urgent. Part of Keweenaw Indivisible's mission is to support those most harmed by regressive political agendas. This fundraiser helps us meet that mission.'
Michigan's first congressional district includes all of the Upper Peninsula and parts of the Lower Peninsula. The district is currently represented in the U.S. House by Rep. Jack Bergman (R-Watersmeet), who has served in his seat since 2017.
The last time the district voted for a Democrat in a statewide race was when 49% of the district voted for Barack Obama in the 2008 Presidential Election.
The last Democrat to represent the district was Bart Stupak, who was elected in 1993 after a major redistricting overhaul that moved the first district from Detroit to Northern Michigan. He retired after his term ended in 2011.
The organization is still accepting donations.
El-Sayed is the former director of Wayne County's Department of Health, Human, and Veterans Services. He was also a health officer for Detroit and previously ran in Michigan's 2018 race for governor as a progressive Democrat, but lost to Gretchen Whitmer. El-Sayed was endorsed by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.). Whitmer won the 2018 election against Republican Bill Schuette.
Also running for the open U.S. Senate seat are Democrats Haley Stevens, Mallory McMorrow and Joe Tate, as well as Republicans Mike Rogers and Frederick Heurtebise and Independent Lydia Christensen.
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