Former Michigan gubernatorial candidate Tudor Dixon has voiced strong opposition to Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed, warning that his progressive policies and associations could fundamentally alter the United States. Dixon asserted that El-Sayed's positions, particularly his past opposition to Sharia law bans and his campaign appearances with streamer Hasan Piker, indicate a desire to "permanently change America."
Dixon stated that El-Sayed's stance on Sharia law is a cause for concern among average Americans who fear cultural shifts. She cited a 2022 speech in which El-Sayed argued that efforts to ban Sharia law were rooted in white supremacy, a comparison Dixon found troubling.
"That comparison, to me, is something that the American people, and certainly the people of Michigan, need to know that that's how closely aligned he is with the Islamist values and the fact that he would bring Sharia law into our lives and defend it in that way," Dixon told Fox News Digital.
Sharia law is a body of Islamic religious principles that govern various aspects of life, with interpretations varying on matters such as women's rights and marriage. Dixon suggested that El-Sayed's defense of opposition to Sharia law bans aligns him with "Islamist values."
Further, Dixon criticized El-Sayed's campaign events with Hasan Piker, a popular streamer with millions of social media followers. Piker has faced controversy for past remarks, including stating that "America deserved 9/11" and making comments about Hamas. Dixon expressed dismay that El-Sayed has not distanced himself from Piker.
El-Sayed, in an appearance on "Fox & Friends," defended his association with Piker, stating that appearing with someone does not equate to agreeing with them on all issues. However, Dixon maintained that these ties are significant and cannot be overlooked.
"This is somebody who wants to go into government to permanently change America," Dixon said, referencing El-Sayed's 2007 University of Michigan commencement speech where he spoke of having "the audacity to believe we can change the world."
Dixon also characterized El-Sayed's economic agenda as exceeding socialism, suggesting it would lead to widespread suffering rather than individual prosperity. She argued that working-class Democrats are not aligned with socialist ideologies.
El-Sayed has previously stated his belief in regulated capitalism, not socialism. He is set to face Republican nominee Mike Rogers in November for the Senate seat currently held by retiring Democratic Sen. Gary Peters. The race is considered significant in determining control of the Senate.
Dixon suggested that El-Sayed might face challenges uniting the Democratic Party and appealing to Michigan's working-class voters. She also cautioned that straight-ticket voting could lead some Democrats who opposed El-Sayed in the primary to support him in the general election, while also noting the possibility of voters crossing party lines to support Rogers.
Fox News Digital reached out to El-Sayed's campaign for comment.