Eminem’s 2010 hit “Not Afraid” became part of Michigan’s 2026 Senate race when Democratic candidate Abdul El-Sayed shared a campaign video featuring the song on Election Day, November 3.
The 78-second video, released through El-Sayed’s social media account, combines footage from his campaign with the rapper’s motivational track from his album Recovery. The video was part of El-Sayed’s final effort to encourage voters to participate in the election.
Eminem has not publicly endorsed El-Sayed or commented on the video. A representative for the rapper also denied that the campaign had contacted his team about using the song.
Several other musicians supported El-Sayed during the campaign’s closing days. Bruce Springsteen publicly endorsed him, Common performed at a Detroit rally, and Stevie Wonder appeared in a separate campaign video.
Eminem has previously allowed his music to appear in political advertising, including the use of “Lose Yourself” in Joe Biden’s 2020 presidential campaign.
The latest video brought one of Eminem’s best-known songs into Michigan’s closely watched Senate contest.
