Michigan Democrat Admits Family Member Was on Terror Watchlist

Abdul El-Sayed, the Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate in Michigan, confirmed over the weekend that a member of his family was on a federal terror watch list. El-Sayed confirmed to Fox News that his sister-in-law was involved in a lawsuit challenging her alleged inclusion on the federal terrorist watchlist during the Obama administration.

Pressed about court records naming Mariam Jukaku, sister of El-Sayed's wife Sarah Jukaku, as a plaintiff in a 2016 case, El-Sayed defended her, stating she "did nothing wrong" and successfully challenged her treatment. He also blamed policies backed by Republican rival Mike Rogers. However, an appeals court overturned a ruling favoring the plaintiffs in 2021, and a separate damages case was dismissed.

The revelation comes just days before former Democratic President Barack Obama is scheduled to campaign with El-Sayed on October 24 in Detroit. In a video endorsing El-Sayed earlier this month, Obama urged support for the Michigan candidate, noting, "Michigan is where we fight back. That's why I'm asking you to support Abdul El-Sayed for the United States Senate." Obama also touted El-Sayed as "a doctor" who has "taken on special interests to fight for good jobs, better healthcare, and lower costs," adding, "Abdul has never taken corporate money. He understands that healthcare is a human right, and he thinks we should invest here instead of wasting money on endless wars."

Mixed with images of campaign events, the report highlights that Michigan is considered a key battleground in the upcoming midterm elections. El-Sayed won a narrow Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate, raising questions about his ability to translate base voter support into a general election victory. He performed well with Arab-American and younger voters, while his opponent, Congresswoman Haley Stevens, garnered support from older Democrats and some African-American voters who have not yet backed El-Sayed. El-Sayed has also hosted former Vice President Kamala Harris in Michigan, in addition to Obama's planned visit.

El-Sayed's opponent, Mike Rogers, is a former House GOP lawmaker. The U.S. Senate seat in Michigan is rated as a 'toss-up' by the Cook Political Report.