As we reported, Michigan Democrat Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed earned a pack of trouble when a documentary from 2020 revealed him saying he “hated” Mackinac Island in 2018.
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Mackinac is one of the most beautiful areas in the state and an important part of the state’s tourism revenue. The state and the people of Michigan benefit from the business there. So attacking it was not a good look for someone who claims he wants to represent that state.
Some of his supporters tried to claim his criticism was directed at the Mackinac Policy Conference held on the island. But he never said that in that clip, and he doubled down on criticism of the island after the documentary story broke, questioning how it could be “the most American place in Michigan,” as someone described it, if it didn’t allow cars.
READ MORE: While Rogers Makes a Smart Move in Michigan Senate Race, El-Sayed Just Made a Blunder
Now he’s tripled down on the criticism, responding to a post by his opponent, Republican candidate Mike Rogers.
Both of these multimillionaires can afford a weekend on Mackinac Island. How about you and your family? https://t.co/cc7xMr4sd0
— Dr. Abdul El-Sayed (@AbdulElSayed) August 9, 2026
“Both of these multimillionaires can afford a weekend on Mackinac Island. How about you and your family?” El-Sayed responded.
I think it’s safe to say there was a lot of fodder that he tripped all over himself with in that post.
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Is he really going to have the nerve to talk about anyone else’s wealth? According to one report, his household was in the top one percent in the state.
There were some interesting things in his financial disclosure.
The document included a rental property in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, valued at $100,001 to $250,000 and owned by his wife, Sarah Jukaku. Last year, El-Sayed reported a rental property his wife owned in Bangalore, India, and a retail property they jointly owned in Ann Arbor.
As he indicated on the documentary, he’d been to Mackinac multiple times, so, yes, he can afford it, too.
Then, why is he continuing to attack a vital tourist area in his state, and an area that people in the state truly love? Can we say how bad that is, and he just keeps digging?
People just decimated him in replies.
I know Abdul doesn’t understand economics, but Mackinac is one of our greatest tourist destinations. Over 1 million visitors annually generate nearly $5 million in tax revenue for MI. Most drive, meaning they spend $ outside the island too. Please stop insulting our visitors. https://t.co/f2ncahXbVH
— Tudor Dixon (@TudorDixon) August 9, 2026
Abdul is a multimillionaire who owns property in Dubai. How many Michiganders could afford a weekend in Dubai. I certainly couldn’t. https://t.co/E6bveSm1Qe
— Democrats For Mike Rogers (@DemsForMike) August 9, 2026
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I have never seen a Senate candidate go to war against a place in his own state, much less one that is a tourist mecca and icon for visitors. First time for everything. https://t.co/0Idn2npdLh
— Brad Todd (@BradOnMessage) August 9, 2026
You said you hate Mackinac Island.
You obviously don’t know that Michiganders go for the day and stay the night off the island – or drive home. https://t.co/BuZcKy4PqT
— Richard Grenell (@RichardGrenell) August 9, 2026
Here’s the kicker and why this appeal to division doesn’t work: People don’t like it.
Not a millionaire here. Yes, we can afford it. We have to budget for it, like most people.
But go on, El-Sayed about Mackinac Island just being for millionaires. Sowing discord and division is what you seem to be good at.
So far you aren’t earning my vote. https://t.co/lDzG1imRgX
— TruNorth (@EsoxDN) August 9, 2026
El-Sayed has shown he’s about grievance politics, not about doing what’s best for the people of Michigan.
Editor’s Note: The 2026 Midterms will determine the fate of President Trump’s America First agenda. Republicans must maintain control of both chambers of Congress.
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