Michigan Senate Candidate Abdul El-Sayed Linked to Sympathizer of Antisemitic Figure
A paper trail and a photograph reveal the extent of an alliance between a Democratic strategist on his campaign payroll and an associate of Louis Farrakhan.
Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed faces renewed scrutiny over his campaign's ties to individuals associated with controversial figures, following the revelation of a connection between a campaign staffer and an associate of Louis Farrakhan, a figure known for antisemitic rhetoric.
A recent Federal Election Commission filing shows that Democratic strategist Terra DeFoe is on El-Sayed's campaign payroll. DeFoe previously welcomed Troy Muhammad, who describes himself as the "Detroit Representative of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan," onto her talk show in 2019. During the broadcast, DeFoe referred to Muhammad as a "valued community leader."
DeFoe has also been photographed with Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan himself at the group's Savior's Day Convention in 2017. Muhammad has publicly referred to DeFoe as a "friend."
These revelations emerge as El-Sayed, who earlier this week disavowed the Muslim Brotherhood during a town hall, continues to face criticism from Jewish voters and conservatives regarding his associations.
DeFoe has previously worked for other Democratic campaigns in Michigan, including that of Senator Elissa Slotkin.