El-Sayed Mocks Michigan Football And Risks His Senate Bid
Democrat Abdul El-Sayed mocks Michigan football to win votes. Conservative voters see through the tactic. Read why this strategy fails in Michigan.
Trending Newsfeed Staff Writer · Oct 12, 2026 · 3 min read
Democrat Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed publicly mocked Michigan football as a campaign strategy. He asked farmers if the university will ever win a game without cheating. This comment comes just days before the 2026 midterm elections. The state loves its football team, and this move ignores that fact.
El-Sayed made these remarks while meeting with farmers in Michigan. He tried to lighten the mood by asking about the weather or football. Per RedState, he asked, “Will (the University of) Michigan ever win a football game without cheating,” El-Sayed said with a chuckle. The crowd did not laugh. Instead, the internet reacted with anger. Dave Portnoy called him a terrorist in a football sense. His opponent, Mike Rogers, agreed with Portnoy.
Ignoring the Facts at Home
El-Sayed claims to be a proud Wolverine. Yet he insults the very fans he needs to win. RedState reports he asked if Michigan will ever secure a victory absent cheating. I say this as a Wolverine. This contradiction hurts his credibility. Voters do not like candidates who insult their passions. Football is a major part of life for many families in this state. Dismissing it as a topic of conversation shows a lack of respect.
The candidate also refused to answer a tough question during a debate. He would not say if Iran or Israel is the bigger threat. This silence is dangerous for national security. According to RedState, El-Sayed declined to identify which nation posed a greater danger to the U.S., Iran or Israel, despite ongoing conflict with Iran. A Senator must take a stand on these issues. Staying quiet suggests he is afraid of the truth.
A Pattern of Avoidance
El-Sayed has a history of dodging hard questions about his family. According to Townhall, he said, “You go after my mom?” when his opponent mentioned his mother’s ties to a group that raised money for al Qaeda. He did not deny the story. He only asked why they were talking about her. This is a classic deflection tactic. It tries to change the subject from the facts to the feelings.
His campaign tried to control the narrative the next day. They sent out an email with a specific subject line. Townhall notes the campaign employed the subject line “Leave Abdul’s mom out of it,” stating, “Last night on the debate stage, Mike Rogers went after Abdul’s mom.” This move looks like an attempt to hide the truth. Voters want honesty, not excuses. The facts about his mother’s past are now public record. Ignoring them does not make them go away.
El-Sayed also lies about his medical credentials. According to Townhall, he claims to be a physician when he knows he is not. He does this to create a myth of credibility. This is not how a public servant should act. Trust is the most important thing in an election. El-Sayed has broken that trust with multiple lies. Voters in Michigan deserve better than a candidate who cannot tell the truth.
The strategy of mocking local sports has backfired. It makes him look out of touch with everyday people. RedState suggests this will likely harm his standing in Michigan, a state where football holds immense significance. The election is close, and every vote counts. This gaffe could cost him the seat. He needs to stop the jokes and start telling the truth.