A Senate candidate in Michigan is facing scrutiny over a digital trail he attempted to erase. Before seeking office, Abdul El-Sayed voiced strong support for the “defund the police” movement, a position now largely absent from his online presence.
The shift in messaging comes as the “defund” debate continues to resonate – and often create controversy – in American politics. The issue proved particularly sensitive during recent elections, including the New York City mayoral race where the winner was compelled to publicly apologize for past criticisms of law enforcement.
In June 2020, weeks after the death of George Floyd, El-Sayed wrote online that major US cities invest “WAY TOO MUCH” in police departments and “WAY TOO LITTLE” in vital community resources like schools and healthcare. He argued that reallocating funds was the core principle of the #Defund movement.
He didn’t stop there. El-Sayed also asserted that police forces had become “standing armies” deployed against citizens. These statements, along with roughly a dozen others supporting the “defund” movement, were recently brought to light.
During a separate interview around the same period, El-Sayed connected policing to systemic racism, suggesting that investment in law enforcement over social programs reflected deeply ingrained biases. He framed the “defunding” discussion as a question of “right-sizing government” and prioritizing public health over “war material for policing.”
El-Sayed is now competing in a crowded primary field for Michigan’s Senate seat. He has garnered endorsements from prominent figures on the left, including Representative Rashida Tlaib and Senator Bernie Sanders.
Tlaib publicly voiced her support, recalling a past protest where they were both arrested while advocating for a higher minimum wage. She described El-Sayed as a “fighter” dedicated to building a stronger Michigan.
In response to questions about the deleted posts, a campaign spokesperson emphasized El-Sayed’s commitment to supporting law enforcement. They highlighted his work as a health officer, where he collaborated with police to rebuild a juvenile detention facility and improve officer wages.
The campaign also criticized the “militarizing” of agencies under the previous administration, arguing that El-Sayed isn’t advocating to “defund Police” but rather to “challenge” government spending priorities. He proposes investing in social services instead of “tanks and tear gas.”
El-Sayed has drawn comparisons to the newly elected mayor of New York City, who also faced backlash for past anti-police statements and ultimately issued a public apology. The mayor acknowledged the need to work *with* law enforcement, recognizing their daily sacrifices.
However, the mayor’s earlier comments reportedly contributed to a significant increase in officers leaving the NYPD, with one union leader expressing concern about the impact of “socialist” policies on morale and safety. Another police department even actively recruited disillusioned NYPD officers.
Despite the controversy surrounding his past statements, El-Sayed remains confident. He recently stated, “Zohran won. Abdul is next,” suggesting his campaign is building momentum with a similar progressive message.
