Fact check: False claims target US Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed
Abdul El-Sayed, who could become the first Muslim elected to the US Senate if he wins in November, has been targeted by false claims online following his victory in Michigan's Democratic Senate primary.
On August 4, Abdul El-Sayed, a progressive candidate for the US Senate, emerged victorious in Michigan's primary. The 41-year-old will contend against Republican Mike Rogers in the November midterm elections. Should El-Sayed win, he would become the first Muslim senator in US history. Michigan, a swing state with a significant Arab American and Muslim population, is a key battleground. Upon his primary victory, El-Sayed faced numerous false claims online, promoted by prominent political figures.
Michigan journalism professor Lawrence Pintak stated that El-Sayed is an ideal target for political disinformation due to his Muslim faith, progressive stance, and vocal criticism of Israel. Fact checkers examined claims about voting irregularities, El-Sayed's political ideology, and whether he claimed America deserved the 9/11 attacks.
A Facebook post claimed El-Sayed received three times as many votes in Detroit as there were registered voters, which proved false. This claim echoed a similar assertion by then-President Donald Trump, who falsely alleged more votes were cast than there were voters.
Trump's usage of the term "communist" against El-Sayed has increased, often conflated with remarks made by El-Sayed's supporter Hasan Piker. Critics argue this is an example of guilt by association, a disinformation tactic targeting El-Sayed at a time when the Republican Party is focusing on anti-Muslim narratives.
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