A former Muslim Brotherhood spokesman has hailed Abdulrahman El-Sayed’s election to the U.S. Senate as a model for Muslims seeking political influence, reigniting controversy over the Michigan Democrat’s alleged connections to the Islamist group.
Abdel Mawgoud al-Dardiri, who once served as foreign affairs spokesman for the Brotherhood’s Freedom and Justice Party in Egypt, praised El-Sayed’s victory in a social media post highlighted by pro-Israel commentator Eitan Fischberger. Al-Dardiri framed the win as proof Muslims could advance their cause “from within the political system” for the benefit of the “Islamic world.”
Historic Win Draws Scrutiny
El-Sayed, 42, made history Tuesday as the first Muslim elected to the Senate, defeating Republican former Rep. Mike Rogers with 52.5% of the vote. His rise from progressive Detroit health director to U.S. senator had already drawn attention from Brotherhood-linked media. Ikhwan Online, a publication tied to the group, celebrated his August primary win over Rep. Haley Stevens (D-MI) as a blow to the “Zionist occupation” and applauded his calls to condition U.S. military aid to Israel.
Federal records show al-Dardiri—listed under the name Abdul Mawgoud Dardery—donated $500 to El-Sayed’s campaign in June. The Minnesota-based professor was among several donors with Brotherhood ties, according to the Washington Free Beacon, which reported El-Sayed received over $25,000 from at least six men who signed a 2012 letter supporting then-Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi.
Denials and Attacks
Rogers repeatedly accused El-Sayed of having “pledged his support to the Muslim Brotherhood” during the campaign, a claim amplified by former President Donald Trump, who labeled the Democrat a “jihadist Muslim Brotherhood member.” El-Sayed has forcefully denied any affiliation, telling Fox News: “I have never been a member of the Muslim Brotherhood, I never will be.”
Michigan outlet Bridge MI found no evidence substantiating Rogers’ claims, and El-Sayed maintains he did not sign the pro-Morsi letter as a medical student. The controversy nonetheless follows the senator-elect into Washington, where his policy positions—including on Israel—will face heightened scrutiny after al-Dardiri’s celebratory remarks.
Source: www.breitbart.com — https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2026/11/04/muslim-brotherhood-official-hails-el-sayed-senate-win-model/