Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, who describes himself as a "capitalist," has significant ties to prominent figures in New York City's socialist circles, according to newly surfaced information. These connections have drawn scrutiny as El-Sayed campaigns for the U.S. Senate.
A photograph from 2019 has gained traction, linking El-Sayed with Linda Sarsour, a notable socialist activist. At the time, Sarsour referred to El-Sayed as "DSA’s newest member." This image has raised questions about El-Sayed's relationship with the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), particularly following his statements during a televised debate where he claimed not to be part of the far-left group.
Sarsour's support for El-Sayed reportedly dates back to his 2018 gubernatorial campaign in Michigan. She has been a vocal proponent, rallying support and participating in campaign events. In May, she publicly endorsed his Senate bid, urging supporters to volunteer for his campaign and expressing pride in his "incredible movement."
Sarsour, who has faced accusations of antisemitism, has been a significant figure in progressive politics. She played a role in the 2017 Women's March and has been described as a mentor within the socialist movement, having also supported the political ascent of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
Financial records show Sarsour donated $1,000 to El-Sayed's Senate campaign shortly before the August primary. She also made a similar donation to Darializa Avila Chevalier, a New York House candidate.
El-Sayed, who lived in New York City from 2015 to 2018 while attending Columbia University's medical school, has also been linked to Gustavo Gordillo, co-chair of the DSA’s New York chapter. Gordillo was documented traveling to Detroit to campaign for El-Sayed during his primary election. A photograph circulating online showed Gordillo and other socialists en route to campaign for El-Sayed.
Another photo from 2019, shared by Katherine Brezler, an employee of the Queens borough president's office, depicted her with El-Sayed and tagged Sarsour. Brezler captioned the image, "the newest member of @detroitdsa." The Detroit DSA's account responded with "Welcome to the team comrade @AbdulElSayed!"
Brezler later described her comment as a "little jokey joke on the Internet." The Detroit DSA also referred to El-Sayed as a "longtime friend" and highlighted his participation in their 2019 Douglass-Debs dinner. The group previously lauded El-Sayed for supporting their proposal to convert abandoned General Motors plants into public green spaces.
Critics have voiced concerns about El-Sayed's purported affiliations. Jesse Arm of the Manhattan Institute suggested that Sarsour's network supports candidates with an "anti-Western agenda." Jake Altman, a former Boston DSA member, expressed worry that such candidates are beholden to an "activist class" and questioned El-Sayed's stance on certain geopolitical issues.
El-Sayed's campaign has maintained that he is not a socialist and has never been a member of the DSA. "Abdul has said he is not a socialist. He is a capitalist and he has never been a member of the DSA," campaign spokeswoman Roxy Richner stated. However, some observers, like Stu Smith of the Manhattan Institute, find this assertion unconvincing, likening it to a "charade."