Abdul El‑Sayed, Michigan’s Democratic Senate nominee, answered “yes” without hesitation when asked whether “Palestine” has a right to exist. He then paused before saying Israel’s right required “certain conditions.”
Contradictory answers in a high‑profile interview
In a “60 Minutes” interview with Ross Douthat that aired Sunday night, El‑Sayed affirmed Palestine’s right to exist. When Douthat pressed him on Israel, the candidate replied, “Yes, if there is a shared understanding,” and added that he would support any outcome the Palestinian and Israeli peoples decide on equal terms.
El‑Sayed declined to give a direct answer, urging a principle‑based approach instead of starting from existing positions. He emphasized that the debate should focus on mutual agreements rather than preconceived notions.
Past remarks fuel criticism
A May recording from a “Jews for Abdul” event in Pontiac, Michigan, captured El‑Sayed saying he “struggles” with the question of Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state, prompting the crowd to explain how that aligns with American liberal values. He refused to answer directly, instead challenging attendees to reconcile the concept with liberal principles.
He also labeled Israel’s policies in Judea, Samaria, East Jerusalem and Gaza as apartheid, a charge that drew further fire. The accusation sparked criticism from Jewish groups and intensified scrutiny of his foreign‑policy stance.
Critics point to additional controversial statements. After a truck rammed into Temple Israel in West Bloomfield, Michigan, El‑Sayed said “hurt people hurt people,” and he appeared alongside radical streamer Hasan Piker, prompting backlash. The remarks were condemned by community leaders who said they trivialized the attack.
A leaked recording revealed him telling staff to stay silent about a U.S.–Israeli strike that killed Iran’s Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, fearing voter upset in Dearborn. He argued that the comment could alienate Dearborn voters, a key Democratic constituency.
Political fallout and security concerns
Bernie Sanders‑backed El‑Sayed has drawn heat for his ties to Piker and for remarks that allies deem reckless. Former Democratic primary rival Rep. Haley Stevens (D‑MI) broke party ranks to endorse Republican Mike Rogers on Sunday.
In October, El‑Sayed dismissed a NewsNation question about whether Israel or Iran posed the greater threat, calling it “a dumb question,” and blamed Netanyahu for pushing the United States toward war with Iran while decrying U.S. tax dollars spent abroad. He argued that American resources should focus on domestic issues rather than foreign entanglements.
Republican opponent Mike Rogers noted El‑Sayed’s silence on the October 7 anniversary, and Republican senators Ted Cruz (R‑TX) and Tim Sheehy (R‑MT) warned that his access to classified intelligence could jeopardize national security.
El‑Sayed also clashed with Fox News’ Bret Baier over a 2012 letter supporting former Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi, insisting his faith does not equate to Muslim Brotherhood membership and calling attacks on his religion “sad and beneath” Rogers and President Trump. Baier questioned his loyalty, prompting El‑Sayed to demand the anchor act as a journalist rather than a partisan interrogator.
His half‑sister, a University of Chicago professor, posted in 2012 that the family had long been linked to the Muslim Brotherhood, and their mother worked for a charity later designated for terrorist backing, though she was never charged. The post revived scrutiny of his family background amid the campaign.
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