A video clip from a 2018 Michigan gubernatorial forum has resurfaced, showing Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed engaging in a heated exchange with then-GOP candidate Patrick Colbeck over allegations linking El-Sayed’s Muslim faith to the Muslim Brotherhood. In the clip, El-Sayed responds to Colbeck’s questioning by stating, "Now, you may not hate Muslims. But I’ll tell you, Muslims definitely hate you." The exchange occurred as Colbeck pressed El-Sayed on whether Sharia law would be instituted in Michigan, a concern raised by some conservative lawmakers and commentators.
The renewed attention to this past debate comes as El-Sayed campaigns for the U.S. Senate seat in Michigan, where religious identity and immigration policy remain central points of contention. Colbeck, who was also running for governor at the time, cited a 2005 strategy memorandum by the Muslim Brotherhood to claim El-Sayed had ties to the organization. El-Sayed served as vice president of the Muslim Students Association at the University of Michigan in 2007. Fox News Digital reported that no direct link between El-Sayed and the Muslim Brotherhood was discovered, noting that the memorandum lists various organizations, including the Association of Muslim Scientists and Engineers, which do not maintain formal relationships with the group.
What the Left Is Saying
Supporters of El-Sayed argue that the 2018 exchange demonstrates his willingness to confront what they view as xenophobic questioning. During the forum, El-Sayed emphasized his commitment to American constitutional principles, stating, "I solemnly swear to uphold the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of this state — that’s the oath that if any one of us is elected, we will swear." He further noted, "I take that oath particularly seriously because it guarantees me the right to pray as I choose to pray," and asserted that "Sharia law is not in question in this state." Progressive advocates often frame these attacks as part of a broader pattern of targeting Muslim politicians, arguing that the focus on Sharia is a distraction from El-Sayed’s policy platforms on healthcare and labor.
What the Right Is Saying
Conservative figures, including Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas), have continued to voice concerns about the influence of Sharia law in American society. In a 2025 press release, Roy stated, "America is facing a threat that directly attacks our Constitution and our Western values: the spread of Sharia law." He argued that some adherents seek to replace the American legal system, asserting that "Under Sharia law, there is no freedom of speech, religion, or women’s rights." Additionally, critics in Dearborn, Michigan, such as Pastor Lorenzo Sewell of 180 Church, have claimed that local governance is shifting toward Muslim code. "America, we have lost this city. This is a city that is no longer up under American laws; we are up under Sharia law. We will not have it anymore," Sewell said during a town council meeting. Senator J.D. Vance has also criticized El-Sayed’s remarks, stating, "That’s not my grandpa’s Democratic party," reflecting ongoing Republican skepticism about the nominee's ideological alignment.
What the Numbers Show
The debate over Sharia and Muslim identity is grounded in demographic and legal facts. The United States does not list the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization, though countries such as Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Russia do. The Muslim Brotherhood renounced violence in the 1970s but continues to advocate for the codification of Islamic beliefs in various societies. In Dearborn, Michigan, a city often cited in these discussions, the 2020 U.S. Census reported that approximately 54.5% of residents identified as having Middle Eastern or North African ancestry. The Muslim Brotherhood’s 2012 statement on Islamic law and national identity describes Sharia as "the most important issue that preoccupies us," highlighting the group's long-term advocacy goals.
The Bottom Line
The resurfacing of the 2018 clip underscores the persistent role of religious identity in Michigan politics, particularly in the upcoming Senate race. While El-Sayed has repeatedly affirmed his adherence to the U.S. Constitution, his opponents continue to leverage questions about his faith and past associations to challenge his suitability for office. The exchange between El-Sayed and Colbeck serves as a microcosm of the broader national debate over immigration, integration, and the definition of American values. Voters in Michigan will likely weigh these cultural concerns alongside traditional policy issues as the election approaches.