El-Sayed tries to erase controversial past ahead of midterms as old videos disappear
ROCHESTER HILLS, MICHIGAN: Democratic socialist Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed reportedly deleted his controversial old video ahead of midterms, as he is likely to become the first Muslim senator in American history if he makes it in the November election.
Abdul El-Sayed once urged government officials to consider defunding the police. He also backed a string of progressive policies that he now says no longer reflect his political views.
NEW: Before launching his campaign, Abdul El-Sayed removed 100+ YouTubes from 2022-2024. Transcripts show him floating replacing the 2nd Amendment, urging an end to July 4th fireworks, blasting GOP focus on the border.
— Andrew Kaczynski (@KFILE) August 11, 2026
His campaign says they “don’t reflect his beliefs today.” pic.twitter.com/sl98LUKZY0
Deleted videos reveal Abdul El-Sayed's past positions
In the now-deleted clips, El-Sayed suggested lawmakers replace the Second Amendment with a constitutional right to healthcare and urged Americans to rethink how they celebrate Independence Day.
The since-removed video from July 2024 included a chapter titled “Fireworks just aren’t worth it: hear us out” and cited Detroit’s post-fireworks air quality, the chemicals used in fireworks, their potential to trigger PTSD in veterans, and the risks they pose to children and pets, CNN’s KFile reported.
The video is one of several examples of El-Sayed removing past online content as he seeks elected office.
El-Sayed also deleted his old social media post where he advocated for defunding police. However, he now says his outlook has shifted.
“Abdul is the former captain of his high school football team, loves Michigan football on Saturdays, and celebrates the Fourth of July with fireworks like the next Michigander. Cherry-picked comments from old podcasts don’t reflect his beliefs today,” his campaign told the outlet.
Several socialist leaders face criticism over their ideology
He’s not the only Democrat facing intense questions about his past beliefs.
Democratic socialist Francesca Hong faced political backlash after a resurfaced 2020 social media post showed her calling to "cancel Thanksgiving" because she claimed it celebrated colonialism.
Collins: Do you still believe that Thanksgiving should be canceled?
— Acyn (@Acyn) August 4, 2026
Hong: I'm a chef, and one of the first meals that I made was for the community when I was 16 was a Thanksgiving meal. But Thanksgiving is also a time that's incredibly painful for many people in our communities.… pic.twitter.com/Kd5kBZMxZS
Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) previously expressed support for the call to defund the police during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdowns, arguing funds should shift toward community resources.
However, AOC has distanced herself from her past statement since her first term in office. Hong has also taken back her past statement about Thanksgiving.
Tim Scott criticizes Abdul El-Sayed over past statements
Senator Tim Scott has strongly criticized Abdul El-Sayed for his past statements and argued that he is wrong for Michigan.
“I’m certain that Abdul El-Sayed is making it easier. Because he is inconsistent with Michiganders of either side of the aisle,” Sen Tim Scott told CNN's Manu Raju on Sunday.
“By the way, he’s someone who wants to defund police, defund ICE, who wants to abolish our concept of a border,” the senator added, referring to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). “He’s just wrong for Michigan.”
Abdul El-Sayed has won Michigan’s slugfest of a Democratic Senate primary, clinching the nomination in a close race over Rep Haley Stevens and establishing a Midwest beachhead for a progressive left on the march this midterm cycle.
El-Sayed's face-off with Rep Mike Rogers in November is expected to be one of the most competitive in the country, and it could determine which party controls the Senate.
