Democratic Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed has suggested that African Americans often have negative experiences with their Arab counterparts.
El-Sayed, who is of Egyptian descent, made the remarks during an appearance on the Higher Learning podcast.
He was asked about his efforts to strengthen support among black voters ahead of November’s election.
El-Sayed pointed to endorsements from black political leaders and organizations before saying there was also an “elephant in the room” that needed addressing.
“Too often, when folks meet somebody who looks like me, it’s not a good experience,” El-Sayed said.
“Too often, they’re seeing them from behind bulletproof glass in a liquor store or in a gas station. They’re being catcalled, if they’re a woman.”
Abdul El-Sayed on Arab-black racial tensions: “Too often when folks meet somebody who looks like me, it’s not a good experience. Too often, they’re seeing them from behind bulletproof glass in a liquor store or in a gas station. They’re being catcalled, if they’re a woman.” pic.twitter.com/OFrOmRF8VD
— Ezydu (@ezradulis) October 2, 2026
As a former Detroit health director, El-Sayed also cited complaints about expired food being sold in stores and cigarettes being illegally sold individually to children.
He ecalled confronting an Arab shopkeeper about conditions inside his store while serving in city government.
His comments touch on longstanding tensions between some members of Detroit’s large black population and Arab-American business owners, particularly in predominantly black neighborhoods.
The issue has emerged during a closely contested Senate race against former Republican Congressman Mike Rogers.
It’s Abdul, habibi. The one you’ll be calling Senator Abdul when we send your little guy back to Florida in November. https://t.co/H7m0eTDqY5
— Dr. Abdul El-Sayed (@AbdulElSayed) October 2, 2026
El-Sayed won the Democratic nomination in August and has received backing from prominent party figures including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and the Congressional Black Caucus PAC.
Meanwhile, former Vice-President Kamala Harris recently campaigned alongside him in Detroit.
LEAKED: Footage of Abdul El-Sayed fundraising last night in the California home of the far-left Soros family.
Abdul’s education was paid for by the Soros family and NOW they are funding his campaign to make him a U.S. Senator
The Soros family is funding Abdul because he will… pic.twitter.com/smoaH9ajg0
— Mike Rogers (@MikeRogersForMI) September 29, 2026
Republicans consider the race as a possible pick-up opportunity because El-Sayed’s radical beliefs and his links to the Democratic Socialists of America and various Islamic groups.
According to the latest RealClearPolling polling average, El-Sayed currently holds a 3.5 percent lead of his opponent, with some polls putting the race within the margin of error.
The two candidates are scheduled to meet for their first televised debate next week.
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