Washington — Abdul El-Sayed, a Democratic candidate for the Senate from Michigan, is targeting supporters of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s “Make America Healthy Again” initiative with the unveiling of a new health policy framework on Tuesday.

El-Sayed expressed to CBS News, “We have a chance to remind people that we have always advocated for healthier living, in contrast to those who often submit to the interests of food, agriculture, and pharmaceutical companies that frequently operate against public health.”

The initiative, named the Building A Healthier America Policy Agenda, addresses concerns regarding pesticides in food and supports legislation that would empower individuals to sue pesticide manufacturers for any damage caused by their products. It emphasizes holding polluters accountable and aims to eliminate industry lobbyists from regulatory bodies. Additionally, the agenda seeks to remove harmful substances like lead and microplastics from drinking water by reinforcing federal standards. It also calls for increased funding for school meal initiatives and mobile grocery services.

As a former health official in Michigan, El-Sayed has consistently highlighted healthcare issues throughout his campaign, advocating for Medicare For All, emphasizing the need to reduce the influence of money in politics, and focusing on broader affordability concerns. He is now addressing issues that resonated with President Trump’s coalition in the 2024 election, as he competes against former Republican Representative Mike Rogers in a Senate race that could be pivotal for party control in the upper chamber.

El-Sayed noted that many MAHA supporters, who backed Trump and the GOP in the previous election, felt that Democrats were not adequately addressing their healthcare concerns. He argued that voters have since been “completely let down and lied to” regarding essential issues central to his agenda.

Following Kennedy’s endorsement of Trump and the mobilization of MAHA supporters, the administration has received commendations for its focus on aspects of the agenda, such as reducing artificial food dyes and promoting whole-food diets. However, it has also faced backlash over pesticide-related policies, particularly after the president authorized an executive order granting extensive federal authority to increase the supply of glyphosate, a primary ingredient in Roundup.

The agenda has also been linked to Kennedy’s long-standing vaccine skepticism, which has drawn criticism this year as the U.S. reported its highest number of measles cases in over thirty years.

When asked about the vaccine aspect, El-Sayed expressed confidence in his ability to appeal to MAHA voters, despite potential differences in opinion on the matter. “I will always rely on evidence when it comes to vaccines,” he stated. “However, the important issue is ensuring that what we provide to our children is safe and pure. RFK Jr., Donald Trump, and Mike Rogers have failed significantly in this regard.”

El-Sayed mentioned his eagerness to engage in dialogue, asserting that “while there may be differing opinions on vaccine policy, we can all agree that big pharmaceutical companies pose a significant challenge.”

He further criticized the Trump administration, saying, “They have been utterly disappointed by a leader who has yielded to the very corporations that contradict their interests, whether it be the pharmaceutical industry, large agricultural entities, or food manufacturers. They have been misled and let down.”

When questioned about collaborating with Kennedy on health proposals if he secures a Senate seat, El-Sayed’s response was conditional. “Does he want to challenge pharmaceutical companies? Is he committed to eliminating pollutants from our food supply? Is he ready to confront large agriculture and processed food industries? Those are my priorities,” he responded. “If he is interested in addressing these issues, I am open to discussion. However, his actions thus far suggest he has undermined the governmental protections meant to safeguard us and has instead aligned with the corporations he previously opposed. I view him as a significant disappointment in regard to his stated goals.”

Report contributed by Aaron Navarro.