Abdul El-Sayed hits back at Israel questions, suggests his name and faith are behind press scrutiny

Michigan Democratic U.S.Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed suggested that reporters press him about the Israel-Hamas war because of his name and his faith. Speaking on Detroit Public Radio’s "MichMash" podcast, El-Sayed pushed back on host Zach Gorchow’s line of questioning about the Israel-Hamas conflict, suggesting that his name and Muslim faith play a role in the media attention surrounding the issue."You've been asked many times whether you support a two-state solution regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and you generally say you support equal rights to self-determination for Jewish Israelis and Palestinians," Gorchow said.

"Can you tell us, what does that mean?"MICHIGAN DEM HOPEFUL ABDUL EL-SAYED JABS CNN GIVING HIM 'NON-CONSENSUAL COLONOSCOPY' IN RECENT INTERVIEWSMichigan U.S.Sen candidate, Abdul El-Sayed, speaks with media after a debate at WoodTV studios on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, in Grand Rapids, Mich.

(AP Photo/Kristen Norman)"Zach, with all due respect, this has been hashed and rehashed," El-Sayed began."This is the MichMash podcast.

I'm focused on what's happening for the 10 million people in this state."El-Sayed then suggested the media’s interest in his stance on the conflict was related to his identity.MICHIGAN SENATE CANDIDATE CONFRONTED REPEATEDLY OVER ISRAEL’S RIGHT TO EXIST, DEFUNDING THE POLICE"It's so frustrating to me that people want to make this race about something that's happening 6,000 miles away, when we've got kids who can't afford a next meal here at home," he continued.The controversial candidate went on to blast the constant line of questioning from members of the press regarding his stance on providing aid to Israel — a topic he has remained staunchly against throughout his campaign.MICHIGAN SENATE HOPEFUL CALLS AIPAC DONATIONS 'LEGALIZED BRIBERY,' REMAINS SILENT ON OTHER DONATIONSAbdul El-Sayed, a progressive candidate in the Democratic primary for U.S.Senate in Michigan, speaks during a primary election night event ...