Politics

Michigan Senate Candidate Faces Scrutiny Over Past Statements and Group Affiliation

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Nov 13, 2025

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Abdul El-Sayed, a Democratic candidate for a 2026 Michigan Senate seat, is facing scrutiny over past social media activity and his leadership role in an activist organization. It was recently reported that the candidate deleted several social media posts, including one from 2021 and others from 2020.

According to one report, a deleted post from September 2021 called border agents "white supremacists." Other deleted posts from June 2020 reportedly expressed support for the "defund the police" movement, with one allegedly stating that police had become "standing armies."

Tax disclosure filings show El-Sayed served on the board of the group Michigan United and was its president for two non-consecutive years between 2021 and 2023. The group advocated for defunding police and organized a protest in Detroit in May 2020. While the protest began peacefully, reports from the time state it escalated into a riot that resulted in dozens of arrests, officer hospitalizations, and the shooting death of one man.

A spokesman for El-Sayed's campaign stated this week that the candidate "challenges government choices that militarize agencies like ICE while they defund social services," and believes safety comes from "investing in people." The campaign did not respond to other requests for comment.

El-Sayed will compete in the Democratic primary in August 2026 against Rep. Haley Stevens and State Sen. Mallory McMorrow. The winner is anticipated to face Republican candidate Mike Rogers in what is expected to be a competitive race.

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• The candidate challenges the militarization of government agencies. A spokesman for El-Sayed's campaign stated the candidate "challenges government choices that militarize agencies like ICE." This stance is presented alongside the observation that such agencies are militarized while social services are defunded.

• He believes safety is achieved by investing in social programs. The campaign articulated a core belief that safety comes from "investing in people." This suggests a policy approach that prioritizes funding for community and social services as the foundation for a secure society.

• The campaign has offered a broad philosophical statement rather than specific rebuttals. While a spokesman provided a statement on the candidate's general principles, the article notes that the campaign did not respond to other requests for comment. The specific allegations regarding deleted posts and group affiliations were not directly addressed in the statement provided.

How it may affect me

As a U.S. reader:

• This candidate's positions could influence future Senate debates on federal funding for law enforcement, border agencies, and social programs if he is elected.

• The outcome of this competitive Michigan Senate race could affect the political balance of power in the U.S. Senate, impacting future national legislation.

• The controversy may elevate national debate over the roles and funding of police and immigration agencies ahead of the 2026 elections.

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