Michigan Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed is facing online criticism following the emergence of a 2020 documentary clip in which he states he "hates" Mackinac Island, a well-known Michigan vacation spot. The clip, resurfaced by The Midwesterner, shows El-Sayed during his 2018 gubernatorial campaign.
In the unearthed footage, El-Sayed remarks, "I hate Mackinac so much." He also adds, "I’m just gonna be like every time I’ve ever come here, I’ve hated it. Why am I here."
The resurfaced comments quickly went viral on social media, prompting reactions from conservative figures. Federalist Editor-in-chief Mollie Hemingway suggested, "The rising stars of the Democrat Party loathe America and seek to destroy it." Outkick founder Clay Travis shared that he was engaged on the island and found it to be "an awesome place," questioning how anyone could "hate northern Michigan in summer."
Former Trump adviser Steve Cortes posted, "Wow hating Mackinac! A place that is so iconic to Michigan, to America. Abdul has a dark heart." Commentary Magazine editor John Podhoretz stated, "He hates Mackinac Island, one of the most wonderful places on earth. A person who hates Mackinac Island has had his soul ripped from his body."
Sarah Gallagher, spokesperson for the National Republican Senatorial Committee, commented, "He would rather summer at his property in Dubai." Former Michigan GOP gubernatorial candidate Tudor Dixon told Fox News Digital that El-Sayed "wants his history to be respected but belittles Michigander’s favorite memories. He doesn’t respect us and therefore he cannot represent us."
Some observers have defended El-Sayed's remarks, with journalist Brad LaPlante suggesting the comments were "taken out of context." LaPlante claimed El-Sayed was referring to the Mackinac Policy Conference, an event he reportedly argued brings together powerful insiders and excludes voters.
El-Sayed himself responded on social media, questioning the notion that Mackinac Island, which prohibits cars, could be considered "the most American place in MI." Mackinac Island is known for its prohibition of motor vehicles, with transportation relying on bicycles and horse-drawn carriages. The island features Victorian architecture, historic hotels, and natural scenery, attracting over a million visitors annually. Landmarks include the Grand Hotel and Fort Mackinac.
Fox News Digital reached out to El-Sayed's campaign for comment but did not receive a response.