Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more

Abdul El-Sayed has called the Iran war “illegal, unjustifiable, wrong,” argued that it is driving up gas prices, and made Donald Trump’s leadership and household affordability central themes of his campaign for the U.S. Senate in Michigan. His comments also pair criticism of U.S. policy toward Israel with support for equal rights and self-determination for Palestinians and Jewish Israelis. Here is what El-Sayed has said, and how those statements fit with the campaign’s listed priorities.

What does Abdul El-Sayed think about the Iran war?

In an Aug. 7, 2026, interview with Democracy Now!, El-Sayed called the war in Iran “illegal, unjustifiable, wrong.” He argued that the conflict had demonstrated Iran’s leverage over global energy and said it had pushed gas prices to nearly $5 per gallon. That price is El-Sayed’s statement in the interview, not an independently verified figure for current prices.

He has connected his opposition to the war with what he describes as an “America First” approach: keeping U.S. money at home rather than sending it to another country’s war machine. Axios quoted him saying, “I’m the most America First candidate in the country, proudly.” He also criticized Trump’s use of the phrase, arguing that Trump presents himself as America First while selling people out.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

His comments on Israel and Palestinians

In the same Democracy Now! interview, El-Sayed criticized what he called AIPAC’s “absolutist vision” of U.S. foreign policy and said the organization wants continued unconditional U.S. military aid to Israel. He framed his own position as supporting “equal rights to peace, dignity and self-determination for Palestinians and Jewish Israelis alike.”

What has Abdul El-Sayed said about Trump?

In a Sept. 13, 2026, Face the Nation interview, El-Sayed called the person in the White House “the barbarian” and argued that Trump’s policies were worsening household affordability. He said the Republican National Committee had not addressed gas and grocery prices, tariffs, the Iran war, or difficulty seeing a doctor. He also criticized Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers for not discussing gas prices that El-Sayed attributed to the war.

In more recent campaign remarks reported by The Daily Beast, El-Sayed said, “The problem is Donald Trump, and you don’t see much standing up to Donald Trump.” The outlet also described his use of “Meek Rogers” as a jab at Rogers. These are campaign attacks and arguments, not independent findings about the causes of prices or the conduct of his opponent.

The race has also drawn attention to El-Sayed’s progressive views, association with commentator Hasan Piker, and Muslim faith. The Associated Press described Republican attacks on those subjects alongside El-Sayed’s effort to refocus the campaign on household costs and overseas wars. That reporting provides election context; it does not establish the truth of partisan allegations.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

What are Abdul El-Sayed’s main campaign positions?

El-Sayed’s campaign homepage lists three headline priorities: getting money out of politics, putting money in Michiganders’ pockets, and passing Medicare for All. It also names affordable housing, education, clean air and water, and “sensible foreign policy” among its broader priorities. The list reflects the campaign’s stated agenda; his interviews provide additional detail on how he describes some of those goals.

Medicare for All and taxes

On Face the Nation, El-Sayed described Medicare for All as a way to provide cradle-to-grave coverage. He argued that wealthier people, including billionaires, should carry more of the tax burden. Those are his policy claims and arguments; the interview transcript records his position rather than independently evaluating the plan’s costs or outcomes.

Potential bipartisan work

El-Sayed also said he saw room to work with Republican Josh Hawley on pro-union legislation and health care. That signals an openness to cooperation on specific issues alongside his sharp criticism of Trump and Republicans’ campaign messaging.

Rank #4
Sale
Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln
  • Team of Rivals The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.