Texas – Ted Cruz attacked Michigan Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed on Friday, turning his attention to the candidate’s family and political associations as the 2026 Senate race continues to draw national scrutiny.
“Abdul’s sister hates White people. Abdul’s campaign buddy Hasan Piker hates Black people & Jews. And Abdul hates Thanksgiving & football. Is there any Michigander whom Abdul El Sayed doesn’t hate?” Cruz wrote on X.
The Texas Republican’s post came after renewed attention surrounding El-Sayed’s half-sister, Eman Abdelhadi, a University of Chicago professor who was arrested during an anti-ICE protest in Illinois last year.
Fox News reported Friday that Abdelhadi, an associate professor in the University of Chicago’s Department of Comparative Human Development, was arrested during a protest outside an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Broadview, Illinois. The report said she was arrested in connection with an incident involving police during the demonstration, FOX News reported.
The arrest and Abdelhadi’s political activism have become a new line of attack against El-Sayed as Republicans attempt to define the Democratic nominee ahead of the November general election.
El-Sayed narrowly won the Democratic Senate primary earlier this month, defeating Rep. Haley Stevens in a closely watched contest that exposed divisions between the party’s progressive and establishment wings. He will now face Republican Mike Rogers in the general election for Michigan’s open Senate seat. The race is expected to be one of the most competitive Senate contests of the 2026 cycle.
Cruz has already made El-Sayed a frequent target since the Michigan Democrat secured the nomination. Earlier this month, Cruz criticized El-Sayed’s political rise and attempted to connect him to organizations and individuals that Cruz described as part of a broader ideological network. Other reports have also highlighted Cruz’s previous attacks on El-Sayed following the primary victory, JNS reported.
El-Sayed’s relationship with political streamer Hasan Piker has been another major point of controversy.
Piker campaigned alongside El-Sayed during the Democratic primary, and their association has drawn criticism from Republicans and some Democrats because of Piker’s past comments on subjects including the September 11 attacks, Israel and other political issues.
The controversy resurfaced after El-Sayed’s primary victory. During an interview reported by multiple outlets, El-Sayed was questioned about Piker’s past statement that America “deserved 9/11.” El-Sayed described the remark as wrong while declining to completely distance himself from Piker.
The issue has since become a central part of Republican efforts to portray El-Sayed as outside the political mainstream.
El-Sayed has defended his decision to work with Piker, arguing that political disagreements or controversial comments made by people around him should not determine his own positions. His campaign has instead emphasized issues including healthcare, affordability and economic policy.
The Democratic nominee has also faced Republican criticism over resurfaced comments involving Thanksgiving, football, the Fourth of July and other American traditions.
Cruz’s latest post referenced those controversies directly, claiming that El-Sayed “hates Thanksgiving & football.” Earlier reporting showed that El-Sayed has faced criticism over old comments about football and other cultural topics, while his campaign has pushed back on the characterization. Forbes reported that the campaign highlighted El-Sayed’s history as captain of his high school football team and said he is a fan of Michigan football.
The football controversy even resulted in El-Sayed challenging Rogers to a tackle football game without pads, according to People. The challenge followed Republican attacks over El-Sayed’s previous comments about the sport.
At the same time, national political figures have begun rallying behind El-Sayed following his primary victory. The Associated Press reported that El-Sayed spoke with former President Barack Obama after the primary as Michigan Democrats worked to unify behind the nominee. Obama’s involvement could become significant if the race develops into a major national Democratic campaign.
The race is especially important because Democratic Sen. Gary Peters is retiring, leaving Michigan without an incumbent Democratic senator on the ballot. Republicans see the open seat as an opportunity to expand their Senate majority, while Democrats view retaining Michigan as critical to their efforts to regain power.
El-Sayed’s candidacy has already attracted national attention because of his progressive platform and his narrow primary victory. The Wall Street Journal reported that he supports Medicare for All, ending aid to Israel and abolishing ICE, positions that have made him a prominent target for Republicans while also helping him build support among progressive voters.
Cruz’s latest attack adds another layer to an increasingly nationalized Michigan Senate race, with Republicans focusing heavily on El-Sayed’s associations, past comments and progressive politics.
The Democrat will now have several months to broaden his appeal beyond the voters who supported him in the primary, while Rogers and Republican allies are expected to continue using controversies involving El-Sayed and people associated with him as campaign issues.
