Oh, this is SPICY. Michigan's socialist Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed just got slapped with a political headache courtesy of his own mouth, and the timing could not be worse.
A video from his 2020 gubernatorial campaign just bubbled back up to the surface, and it shows him strolling through one of Michigan's most treasured tourist spots while absolutely roasting it on camera. As Conservative Brief reported, the clip was spotlighted by The Midwesterner on Friday and instantly went nuclear across social media.
So what exactly did he say? Brace yourself.
While walking around Mackinac Island and talking about the governor's official summer residence, El-Sayed dropped this gem: he proclaimed that he absolutely despises Mackinac. He went on to joke that winning would mean calling the island his summer home, then wondered aloud why he keeps visiting a place he cannot stand.
Yeah, imagine trashing one of your own state's crown jewels while running for office IN that state. Bold strategy, let's see how it plays out.
The conservative media world pounced faster than a horse-drawn carriage on Mackinac's car-free streets. Federalist boss Mollie Hemingway used the clip to voice broader concerns about Democratic leadership. OutKick founder Clay Travis, who actually proposed to his partner on the island, gushed about northern Michigan's summer beauty and questioned how any human being could trash the place. Former Trump adviser Steve Cortes piled on, and Commentary magazine editor John Podhoretz joined the chorus of disapproval. The National Republican Senatorial Committee's spokesperson Sarah Gallagher also weighed in with criticism.
Former Michigan Republican gubernatorial nominee Tudor Dixon told Fox News Digital that the island holds deep cultural and historical significance for the entire state.
But hold on, because there IS a counter-narrative brewing.
Journalist Brad LaPlante jumped to El-Sayed's defense on X, arguing that the clip was stripped of crucial context. According to LaPlante, the nominee was actually venting about the Mackinac Policy Conference, an annual gathering that El-Sayed has previously slammed for giving wealthy insiders more access to politicians than regular voters get. Critics weren't buying that explanation though. Michigan Young Republicans board member James Asher fired back directly at LaPlante's defense.
And El-Sayed himself? His campaign went radio silent when Fox News Digital reached out for comment. But eventually he responded to a viral post from the account End Wokeness with a snarky quip, questioning whether a place that prohibits automobiles can really be considered the most "American" spot in Michigan.
For those unfamiliar, Mackinac Island has banned motor vehicles since the late 1800s. Visitors get around by bicycle, horse-drawn carriage, or their own two feet. It is one of the most recognizable destinations in the entire state.
This resurfaced footage lands at the worst possible moment for El-Sayed, who is gearing up to face Republican Mike Rogers in a Senate contest that political analysts believe could help determine which party controls the upper chamber this November. Insulting a beloved landmark months before voters head to the polls? That is a recipe for one very uncomfortable campaign trail.
Like what you see? Then sign up for our Free Newsletter
