Eminem’s “Not Afraid,” a Billboard Hot 100 chart-topper from the rapper’s 2010 album Recovery, is featured in one of Michigan Senate candidate Dr. Abdul El-Sayed’s latest campaign videos. The Democrat posted the video online early on Tuesday, November 3, as Election Day began.
In a social media post featuring the clip, El-Sayed wrote: “It’s time. It’s up to us to show the country what’s possible.” The Detroit News reported that Eminem was not contacted by the campaign. Eminem has not publicly commented on El-Sayed’s use of the song or endorsed a candidate in the 2026 midterm election.
Other artists have also supported the campaign. Common performed at a rally for El-Sayed in Detroit on Monday night, November 2. Michigan native Stevie Wonder appeared in a video released on Election Day urging voters to support El-Sayed for Senate. Bruce Springsteen endorsed El-Sayed on Monday, writing on Instagram: “Dr. El-Sayed is a fighter for our American Constitution.”
El-Sayed is running against Republican Mike Rogers for the Senate seat held by Democrat Gary Peters. As of the Billboard article’s publication on Tuesday evening, the race had not been called.
See Common live
Upcoming Common events with tickets available:
- Nov 13, 2026 — Dr. Phillips Center – Walt Disney Theater, Orlando, Florida · Get tickets
- Nov 14, 2026 — The Adderley Amphitheater at Cascades Park, Tallahassee, Florida · Get tickets
Tickets are sold by GetUrTix. Code GTIX20 takes 20% off the ticket price at checkout — no minimum, no expiry.
Source: Billboard
