Michigan Senate race draws attacks on candidate's religion

· Politics · United States

Republican attacks targeting Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan have drawn concern from Muslim advocates, who say the best response to hate is to elect him. The race has raised questions about what is off-limits in political speech and whether religious appeals and false or racist claims are acceptable on the campaign trail with days to go before the midterms. El-Sayed is running for the Senate in a contest being watched nationally.

Why it matters：How religious identity is used in a competitive Senate race tests the boundaries of acceptable political speech and the representation of Muslim Americans.

Key points

  • El-Sayed is the Democratic Senate candidate in Michigan.
  • Muslim advocates urged his election as the answer to hate.
  • The race has stirred debate over freedom of political speech.

Sources (original reporting)

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