Abdul El-Sayed, a Democratic candidate for Michigan's open Senate seat, recounted in his memoir that he refused to face the American flag during the national anthem as a college athlete to protest the Iraq war. El-Sayed defended his actions as a form of patriotism, stating that he loves America enough to demand it be better. He also compared his protest to that of former football player Colin Kaepernick, claiming he did it first.

El-Sayed's past social media posts and public statements have drawn controversy, including comparisons between the war on terror and historical injustices such as slavery and the Trail of Tears. He has also expressed support for 'defund the police' activism and served on boards of groups advocating for police abolition. His campaign has recently gained support from prominent progressive figures, but his history of radical positions continues to fuel debate in the Michigan Democratic primary.