Abdul El-Sayed faces backlash after on-air confrontation with Sky News reporter

On Tuesday, November 3, 2026, during the U.S. midterm elections, newly elected Michigan State Senator Abdul El-Sayed was filmed in a heated confrontation with Sky News correspondent James Matthews outside a polling station in Detroit. The video, which has since garnered over eight million views, shows El-Sayed, then a candidate, refusing to answer questions from the British reporter. Instead, he challenged Matthews on his right to report on the election, questioning if he was a registered voter in Michigan.

El-Sayed, who identifies as the first Muslim state senator in Michigan, reportedly told the reporter that he had no interest in discussing issues with a foreign outlet, mockingly suggesting the network was watched by very few Americans. During the exchange, El-Sayed briefly placed his hands on the journalist's shoulders while dismissing his queries. The incident has triggered significant social media reaction, with public discourse divided over the candidate's dismissive behavior toward the media during the electoral process.