Ted Cruz accuses Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed of Muslim Brotherhood ties

Senator Ted Cruz of Texas used a campaign event near Detroit to allege that Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed has ties to the Muslim Brotherhood, a claim the candidate has repeatedly rejected. Cruz referred to El-Sayed with a nickname and warned that, if elected, El-Sayed could obtain a security clearance that might pose a risk to Americans.

"I have never been a member of the Muslim Brotherhood, I never will be a member of the Muslim Brotherhood," El-Sayed told Fox News.

El-Sayed’s campaign described the accusations as a “bigoted anti-Muslim smear campaign” and said they distract from economic concerns. Campaign spokesperson Cole Wozniak criticized Cruz, saying the senator has supported policies that hurt Michigan families and that the remarks aim to shift focus from rising costs of gas and groceries.

The controversy stems from statements made by El-Sayed’s half-sister in 2012-13 about their birth mother’s past involvement with the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, as well as El-Sayed’s former leadership of a university Muslim Students’ Association chapter and an op-ed supporting protests against former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. Cruz also cited an open letter El-Sayed signed in 2012 supporting then-Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi, a figure linked to the Muslim Brotherhood.

Republican nominee Mike Rogers echoed Cruz’s focus on the issue, calling the race “the most important in the country” and asserting that El-Sayed’s alleged ties constitute a threat to national security. Rogers said the Muslim Brotherhood’s ideology conflicts with American values.

El-Sayed responded at a town hall, stating he “absolutely” disavows the Muslim Brotherhood and emphasizing his commitment to the U.S. Constitution regardless of his personal faith. He warned that accusations of “dual loyalties” are unfounded.

The Michigan Senate contest is being closely watched, with both parties intensifying rhetoric as Election Day approaches.