Michigan Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed asserted on Saturday that the United States must confront what he described as "unpaid debts" owed to Black communities, emphasizing that leaders bear a responsibility to "understand" and "address" them.
Speaking at a meeting with women faith leaders in Detroit, El-Sayed, who is challenging Republican nominee Mike Rogers, stated that "unpaid debts that have long since come due" exist for Black communities in Michigan and across America, which he argued the nation is unwilling to acknowledge or repay.
El-Sayed, a former Wayne County health director, made these remarks when responding to a question about energizing Democratic voters who did not support him in the primary. He indicated his approach involves consistent engagement with voters and highlighting his record.
He also called for expanding access to capital for small businesses and increasing investment in housing and schools.
El-Sayed previously ran for Michigan governor in 2018. The current Senate race between El-Sayed and Rogers is considered one of the most closely watched contests in the nation. Discussions at the Detroit event also touched upon El-Sayed's public health record, U.S. aid to Israel, his endorsement of Kamala Harris for president, attack ads from Rogers, and criminal justice issues.