# Abdul El-Sayed’s Race Has Been Defined by Islamophobia. Will It Be Determined by It?

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/abdul-el-sayeds-race-has-been-defined-by-islamophobia-will-it-be-determined-by-it/
- Published: 2026-11-02T19:35:24+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-03T23:47:04+00:00
- Original publisher: The Intercept
- Original article: https://theintercept.com/2026/11/02/michigan-el-sayed-rogers-muslim-islamophobia/
- Topics: Americas, Art, Culture, Elections, Government, Middle East, Politics, World

## Key points

- El-Sayed has faced anti-Muslim attacks in the Michigan Senate race.
- A poll found 38 per cent would be less likely to vote for a Muslim candidate.
- Arab American organisers are mobilising support for his bid to make history.

## Summary

Abdul El-Sayed’s Michigan Senate campaign is facing anti-Muslim attacks, including claims linking him to terrorism and the Muslim Brotherhood, as the midterm election approaches. The attacks have received less attention in the race’s closing days than former rival Haley Stevens’s accusations of antisemitism and her endorsement of Republican Mike Rogers.

The article reports that President Donald Trump called El-Sayed a “jihadist”, while a mailer reportedly placed his image beside the World Trade Center towers. One poll found 38 per cent of Michigan voters would be less likely to vote for a Muslim candidate. Arab American organisers are canvassing for El-Sayed, who could become the first Muslim in the US Senate, and say support from anti-war voters may help his campaign.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.