Michigan Senate Race Intensifies with 9/11 Remarks

On September 11, 2026, Michigan Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed addressed college students, many of whom were born after the 9/11 attacks, initiating his speech with a moment of silence to mark the 25th year since the tragic event. El-Sayed aimed to counter the political barrage from his opponent, Republican nominee Mike Rogers, who criticized El-Sayed for his links to Hasan Piker. Piker, a leftist streamer, drew controversy in 2019 by stating “America deserved 9/11.”

El-Sayed campaigned alongside Piker during the Democratic primary but has since distanced himself due to escalating criticism from Rogers and Republicans. Addressing Rogers’ opposition to the James Zadroga Act of 2010—which provided healthcare and financial support to 9/11 survivors and first responders—El-Sayed stated during a town hall, “Rather than vote to make sure that the brave first responders … had healthcare, he voted … against giving them healthcare.”

Rogers defended his record in a post, affirming his support for victims and their families, advocating for a $150 million annual fund for supporting them. This comes amid continued efforts from Michigan Republicans to associate El-Sayed with Piker’s comments in their ongoing Senate race.

El-Sayed denounced Piker’s 9/11 remarks as “dumb,” remarking that Piker admitted in 2019 his comments were inappropriate and needed a clearer expression. El-Sayed himself faced scrutiny for his 2021 comments on the aftermath of 9/11, which Republicans argue show him as extreme. Vice President JD Vance said, “Democrats … can find sympathy for terrorists who perpetrated 9/11.”

Rogers framed the race as pivotal for the country’s “soul,” implicating El-Sayed and Piker as a duo that “attack America” and “excuse extremism.” Meanwhile, El-Sayed voiced condemnation of the 9/11 attacks, affirming “nothing can justify” such violence against civilians.

Supporters of El-Sayed and Muslim advocacy groups argue that attempts to link El-Sayed with the 9/11 attacks are Islamophobic. Tyler Mitchell, a Michigan Democratic voter and Afghanistan War veteran, noted the targeting relates to El-Sayed’s faith as a practicing Muslim.

Republican groups backing Rogers have released ads including references to 9/11 and Piker’s comments. The Senate Leadership Fund has allocated over $45 million in Michigan advertisements. Rogers shared videos featuring veterans and first responders condemning El-Sayed and Piker.

El-Sayed frequently faces queries about Piker’s remarks from reporters on the campaign trail. He criticized the press for focusing on Piker rather than issues like healthcare. During a town hall, he voiced frustration stating, “Stop asking me about some streamer in California.”

Questioned about Rogers’ 9/11 references and GOP ads, El-Sayed criticized Rogers for campaigning beyond Michigan and neglecting key issues like the economy, healthcare, and the Iran conflict. El-Sayed accused Rogers of invoking 9/11 for political gain while denying heroes proper healthcare.