Abdul El-Sayed, the Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate in Michigan, faced off with Fox News host Jesse Watters in an interview that covered topics like transgender athletes, immigration, health care, and the economy. The interview underscored a broader debate within the Democratic Party: whether to address cost-of-living issues or engage in culture wars that Republicans have leveraged in recent elections.
El-Sayed, who achieved a surprising primary win, is now at the center of the 2026 midterms. He is competing against Republican Mike Rogers in a close race that could determine control of the Senate. His appearance on Jesse Watters Primetime gave insight into the campaign’s pivotal debates.
El-Sayed Challenges Watters on Voter Concerns
The interview saw El-Sayed accuse Watters of ignoring pressing issues in Michigan. El-Sayed emphasized the significance of health care costs, gas prices, and groceries, arguing these are what voters prioritize. He persistently shifted the discussion toward economic and health care policy.
Transgender Athletes and Sports Participation
Watters questioned El-Sayed about transgender women’s participation in women’s sports. El-Sayed refrained from giving a yes or no answer, suggesting that such decisions should be left to athletic governing bodies rather than politicians. He reiterated his commitment to tackling health care challenges and questioned the relevance of sports participation in his Senate run.
Rejecting the ‘Culture War’
El-Sayed criticized Watters for revisiting familiar conservative themes instead of discussing policy solutions. He stated he wasn’t interested in engaging in a culture war. Instead, his campaign emphasizes addressing economic issues, which he argues should be Democrats’ focus.
Discussion on Gender-Care for Minors
The interview featured a discussion on gender-related medical care for minors. El-Sayed, a physician, compared these decisions to circumcision, noting they are often made by families and doctors without political interference. He argued that medical decisions should remain between parents, doctors, and patients, aligning with his broader stance on prioritizing economic issues.
Religion in Government
Watters also questioned El-Sayed about banning Sharia law in some states. As a Muslim, El-Sayed argued that the U.S. Constitution already dictates the legal system and downplayed the relevance of this issue for Michigan residents. He viewed it as a distraction from critical topics like health care and the economy.
Polling in Michigan’s Senate Race
Recent polls indicate a competitive race in Michigan’s Senate contest. An AARP Michigan survey showed El-Sayed leading by a narrow margin, with 48 percent to Rogers’ 47 percent, and 5 percent undecided. The poll highlighted an age divide, with El-Sayed favored by voters under 50. Inflation and health care emerged as top voter concerns.
Other surveys showed mixed results. A Susquehanna Polling and Research survey found El-Sayed ahead, while a Fox News poll had Rogers leading. These surveys underscore the close nature of the race and its significance for Senate control.
For further information, contact Newsweek editors John Fitzpatrick and Shakeema Edwards.
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