Michigan Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed has voiced the need to confront “unpaid debts” owed to Black communities. He believes leaders must actively address these obligations.
El-Sayed, facing Republican nominee Mike Rogers in a highly scrutinized Senate race, shared his views during a meeting with women faith leaders organized by the Woman Difference Collaborative in Detroit. A video of the event, shared by C-SPAN, captures his remarks.
“When it comes to Black communities in Michigan and America, there are unpaid debts that have long since come due that we are unwilling to acknowledge, let alone pay down,” El-Sayed stated. “We need leaders who will understand those debts and address them.”
Responding to inquiries about energizing Democratic voters who did not initially support him, El-Sayed emphasized consistent engagement with voters and highlighting his record. He posed the reflective question, “Within my power, have I done my best?” encouraging scrutiny of his history.
El-Sayed underlined his efforts addressing infant and maternal mortality, asthma, and lead exposure. He also advocated for increased access to capital for small businesses and investment in housing and schools.
Previously serving as Wayne County health director, El-Sayed ran for Michigan governor in 2018 without success before pursuing a Senate campaign.
During the Detroit event, discussions included El-Sayed’s public health accomplishments, U.S. aid to Israel, endorsement of Kamala Harris for the 2024 presidential election, campaign attack ads from Rogers, and criminal justice issues.
Efforts to reach El-Sayed’s campaign for comment were unsuccessful. The writer, Sophia Compton at Fox News Digital, holds a journalism degree from the University of Hawaii at Manoa and has experience as a TV news producer.