Abdul El-Sayed Criticizes Flint Residents in 2016 Remarks
Former Detroit health director Abdul El-Sayed questioned Flint residents’ attachment to the city in 2016, sparking renewed debate ahead of Senate race.
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Former Detroit health director and Michigan Democrat Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed sparked controversy in 2016 with remarks questioning why anyone would want to live in Flint, Michigan. The comments, made during a speech at a Boston University health policy symposium, resurfaced recently as El-Sayed prepares for a Senate race against Republican Mike Rogers.
Flint Residents’ Attachment Sparks Debate
During the event, El-Sayed addressed a question about relocating Flint residents after the 2014 lead-contaminated water crisis. He expressed confusion over why residents remain in the majority-black city, saying, “You talk to folks in Flint, they love Flint, right, and you’re like, ‘What the—why?’” El-Sayed compared their loyalty to his own decision to move from New York to Detroit, where colleagues questioned his choice.
“To Detroit of all places,” he said, referencing the criticism he faced. “If you’re going to Cali, I get it, but Detroit? Their winters are worse than ours. There’s nothing there.” El-Sayed, who grew up in an affluent Detroit suburb, admitted that moving to Detroit “ruined” his family’s life, highlighting his personal connection to the city despite its challenges.
Recent Comments and Political Context
The remarks come as El-Sayed, who owns property in Dubai and India, faces scrutiny over his criticism of Republican opponent Mike Rogers, who recently purchased a home in Florida. El-Sayed’s financial disclosures also reveal property holdings in the United Arab Emirates, adding to the debate over his priorities.
His comments also follow a 2020 clip in which he expressed disdain for Mackinac Island, a summer retreat for Michigan’s governor. The clip resurfaced as Rogers used it in a social media post, claiming, “There’s no place like Mackinac,” with a heart emoji. El-Sayed has since doubled down, disputing claims that Mackinac is the “most American place” in Michigan due to its car-free policy.
Senate Race and Voter Concerns
The remarks have intensified as El-Sayed prepares for his first general-election debate against Rogers, a race that could determine Senate control. His comments also come amid concerns over his appeal to black voters, a key demographic in Michigan. Flint, where General Motors was founded, has seen its population decline by 36 percent since 2000, underscoring the city’s ongoing struggles.
Source: Breitbart
