During a podcast appearance earlier this year, Michigan’s Democratic Senate nominee, Abdul El-Sayed, compared his perceived “radical” policy positions to the teachings of Jesus Christ. This took place during an episode of the Progressive Christians Podcast in May, where he was questioned on how his Muslim faith influences his political campaign.

Rev. Blair Stowe, one of the podcast hosts, highlighted how many progressive agendas, including Medicare for all and anti-war policies, align with Christian teachings. He remarked that such policies, while labeled as radical, bear similarity to the principles advanced by Jesus.

“Jesus, peace and blessings be upon him, was considered radical in his time too,” El-Sayed responded. He emphasized that standing against corruption is inherently radical and cautioned against conflating popular opinion with truth. “We live in a time where people are trying to normalize corruption,” he added.

El-Sayed faces a pivotal race against Rep. Haley Stevens. His victory in the Michigan Democratic Senate nomination has sparked discussions within the Democratic party. Republicans view Michigan as an opportunity to fortify their majority and have confidence in former Rep. Mike Rogers, who narrowly lost a previous Senate bid, to challenge El-Sayed successfully.

Both candidates have invoked faith in their campaigns. Rogers has been criticized by El-Sayed for using religious arguments as a political tool. El-Sayed called out Rogers for not adhering to the core teachings of Christianity, which he describes as advocating for systemic change against the wealthy and powerful who misuse their influence to oppress others.

The National Republican Senatorial Committee has been vocal in its disapproval of El-Sayed, with spokeswoman Bernadette Breslin labeling him unfit to serve due to his faith-based comments. Meanwhile, El-Sayed continues to assert his positions and push back against religion-based criticisms.