Michigan Senate Candidate Abdul El-Sayed Denies Muslim Brotherhood Ties
Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed has denied allegations of ties to the Muslim Brotherhood amid scrutiny from political opponents and international officials.
Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate in Michigan, Abdul El-Sayed, is facing allegations of long-term ties to the Muslim Brotherhood. An investigation by the Investigative Project on Terrorism claims El-Sayed operated for two decades within institutions linked to the group, including the Muslim Students' Association. During an October 17 town hall in Caro, Michigan, El-Sayed disavowed the organization but accused the questioner of implying he held dual loyalties.
El-Sayed has denied membership in the Brotherhood and denied family ties to the movement. However, his half-sister, Eman Abdelhadi, posted on social media that the family has long been associated with the group, and reports indicate relatives were jailed for activism in Egypt. Republican opponent Mike Rogers has further amplified the scrutiny, alleging during debates in Grand Rapids that El-Sayed received funds from associated groups, claims El-Sayed dismissed as hearsay.
The controversy drew international attention on November 1, when Israel's Christian envoy, George Deek, warned against electing Western politicians who support the Muslim Brotherhood's worldview. Deek cited the firsthand experience of Middle Eastern Christians regarding the consequences of the group gaining political power. El-Sayed has refused to endorse U.S. government designations of certain Brotherhood branches as terrorist organizations.
