Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has defended Michigan senatorial candidate Abdul El-Sayed, describing claims linking him to the Muslim Brotherhood as racist.
Speaking at a Culver’s restaurant in Michigan while campaigning for Mr El-Sayed, the congresswoman was asked whether the controversy was based on evidence or prejudice. She said the allegations fell “into racist very clearly”.
The dispute centres on old social media posts by Mr El-Sayed’s half-sister, which suggested that their mother had been involved with the Muslim Brotherhood decades ago. Mr El-Sayed has denied having any ties to the organisation.
Ms Ocasio-Cortez criticised opponents for bringing his family history into the campaign. She noted that his parents separated shortly after he was born and that he grew up without his mother.
The New York congresswoman said people could not be defined by questionable decisions made by relatives, and described Mr El-Sayed as “one of the most patriotic people” she had ever met.
Mr El-Sayed has also responded to attacks focused on his Muslim faith, saying his beliefs were central to his desire for an America in which everyone’s constitutional rights were protected, regardless of who they were, whom they loved or how they worshipped.
Ms Ocasio-Cortez’s comments came as campaigners Charlie and Jacob spent several days on the ground in Michigan, including meeting Mr El-Sayed in Detroit earlier in the week.
