Abdul El-Sayed, a prominent Democratic Senate candidate in Michigan, is under scrutiny due to resurfaced remarks criticizing Mackinac Island, a cherished location in the state. The comments emerged from a 2020 documentary clip shared by The Midwesterner on Friday. During his unsuccessful bid for governor, El-Sayed walked through Mackinac Island and expressed his disdain for it, saying, “I hate Mackinac so much.” Mackinac Island, a notable vacation spot, is situated in Lake Huron between Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas.

El-Sayed added, “It’s funny cause, like, if we win, this is gonna be, like, the summer home,” referring to the governor’s summer residence located on the island. These statements circulated widely on social media, with many conservatives criticizing El-Sayed for looking down on the beloved destination.

The rising stars of the Democrat Party loathe America and seek to destroy it, said Mollie Hemingway, Federalist editor-in-chief. And unlike their spiritual forebears, they see less of a reason to hide it for political gain.

Clay Travis, founder of Outkick, shared his fondness for the island, saying, “I got engaged on this island. It’s an awesome place. Honestly, I don’t understand how anyone could hate northern Michigan in summer, absolutely beautiful, most underrated spot in the country.”

Steve Cortes, a former advisor to Trump, commented, “Wow hating Mackinac! A place that is so iconic to Michigan, to America. Abdul has a dark heart.” John Podhoretz, editor at Commentary Magazine, added, “Abdul el-Sayed is a repellent terror-loving anti-Semite—and that’s not even the worst thing about him. He hates Mackinac Island, one of the most wonderful places on earth. A person who hates Mackinac Island has had his soul ripped from his body.”

In response to criticisms, some defended El-Sayed, suggesting his words were taken out of context. Journalist Brad LaPlante explained that El-Sayed was referring to the Mackinac Policy Conference, where powerful insiders gather and exclude voters. However, others, like Michigan Young Republicans board member James Asher, disagreed with this interpretation, stating, “Brad, are you dizzy from the way you’re spinning this?”

Mackinac Island is loved for maintaining a character that is becoming rare in tourist destinations. Cars have been largely banned since the 1890s, so visitors use foot, bicycle, or horse-drawn carriages to get around. The island features Victorian homes, historic hotels, scenic waterfronts, and famous fudge shops, attracting over a million tourists annually. Notable landmarks include the Grand Hotel and Fort Mackinac, embodying Michigan’s history and culture.

Fox News Digital reached out to El-Sayed’s campaign for comment but did not receive an immediate response. El-Sayed did respond to a post by End Wokeness, stating, “Not sure about ‘End Wokeness,’ but I don’t think the most ‘American place in MI’ can be a place that…bans cars.”

Reporter Andrew Mark Miller contributed to this report. You can find him on Twitter @andymarkmiller or send tips to [email protected].