Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, who is backed by prominent left-wing figures including Bernie Sanders, told supporters on Sunday that America's political system is a "disease," despite also expressing love for the country in which he was raised. The remarks add to a series of provocative comments from El-Sayed as he campaigns for the party's nomination in a closely watched race, positioning himself as an outsider willing to attack entrenched political and corporate power structures.

El-Sayed reportedly went on to launch strong criticism at American institutions, and has separately described himself as "dangerous" to bodies including US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, health insurers and party leadership figures. His campaign has been amplified by Senator Bernie Sanders, who has dismissed rival candidate Haley Stevens and framed the Michigan contest as a fight against the "billionaire class."