Republicans are employing a strategy to portray Democratic Senate hopeful Abdul El-Sayed as a religious extremist, a tactic previously used against other Muslim candidates.
After an unsuccessful effort to attack candidate James Talarico on personal matters, Republicans are now focusing on El-Sayed's Muslim faith. This approach has drawn criticism, with some suggesting it could backfire, similar to past attacks on Zohran Mamdani.
El-Sayed has faced scrutiny over his past criticisms of Israel and his decision to campaign with activist Hasan Piker. Piker has been accused of antisemitism, though he has since walked back some previous statements. El-Sayed has declined to state whether he would campaign with Piker again.
The campaign tactics have led to concern within the Democratic Party. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, who is Jewish, has indicated she will skip the state party's convention on August 29 due to safety concerns, citing a perceived lack of action by party officials to combat antisemitism.
These developments have created a coalition of critics that Republicans are seeking to amplify. The focus on El-Sayed's religion by Republicans is seen by some as a continuation of anti-Muslim campaigns.