Michigan Senator Abdul El-Sayed’s Oxford Years and Nando’s Dinners

Abdul El-Sayed is the newest senator from Michigan. The 42-year-old epidemiologist won a seat in the United States Senate during the highly contested midterm elections. He is the first Muslim senator in the history of the United States.

Before entering national politics, El-Sayed studied at the University of Michigan. He later received a Rhodes Scholarship in 2009. This award allowed him to study and live in Oxford, England. He described meeting some of the world’s most brilliant people during his time there. He was known for organizing regular dinners for fellow Rhodes scholars at a Nando’s restaurant.

El-Sayed ran as a progressive candidate. He campaigned hard on Medicare for All. He received endorsements from former President Barack Obama and Senator Bernie Sanders. His background includes serving as the Detroit health commissioner. He is the son of Egyptian immigrants but was born and raised in the United States.

The campaign brought intense scrutiny of his identity. At one point, President Donald Trump referred to him as Abdullah bah bah bah bah Mohamed. El-Sayed responded directly to the comment. He said, If you can’t say the name, keep the name out of your damn mouth.

Former President Barack Obama also campaigned for him. El-Sayed noted the parallel in their public personas. He said, There is no world in which I get to run for office without President Obama. He added, He got a funny name, I got a funny name.

During a rally, a reporter asked El-Sayed why he was campaigning with Obama after previously criticizing him. El-Sayed compared the relationship to loving a father. He asked if the reporter loved their dad and agreed with everything they had ever done. He explained that it is normal to appreciate someone’s actions while suggesting different approaches. He said they still did important things to create opportunity for you.

A brief interaction with a Sky News reporter occurred shortly before the election. El-Sayed told the reporter they had no viewers. He chose to answer questions from American reporters instead. He won the election shortly after that interview.