Michigan Senate Candidate Abdul El-Sayed Confronts Islamophobia and Foreign Policy in Detroit Speech

Democratic Senate candidate for the US state of Michigan, Abdul El-Sayed, delivered a powerful speech in Detroit addressing Muslim American identity and criticizing the US and Israel’s war on Iran.

Speaking at the Annual Islamic Society Conference on Saturday, the 41-year-old Democrat and public health advocate spoke out against the Islamophobic remarks he has faced throughout the election cycle. “We find ourselves in a moment now, where as people point to us, Muslim Americans, they want to tell us that we don’t belong,” El-Sayed told the audience. Emphasizing the compatibility of his faith and citizenship, he stated that "being Muslim makes us better Americans … and being American enables us to be better Muslims."

El-Sayed is running for the Democratic nomination for the US Senate seat in November’s midterms and is set to face Republican Mike Rogers in a high-stakes general election battle. Rogers, a former US Representative, is supported by President Donald Trump. Following weeks of online exchanges, both candidates have agreed to two televised debates scheduled for October 8 at Wood TV8 in Grand Rapids and October 21 at WXYZ-TV in Detroit.

During his address, El-Sayed also questioned US government spending priorities under Trump amid ongoing military conflicts. “How are you gonna pay for that while we know our infrastructure is crumbling and our literacy rates are tumbling?” he asked. Highlighting his recent travels across Waterford, Michigan, and the wider state, he noted that voters' concerns focus on basic needs like groceries and gas rather than overseas military actions.