New Financial Disclosures from Abdul El-Sayed Ahead of Primary Debate
As the primary debate approaches, Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed has shared new financial disclosures detailing him and his wife’s assets. These assets, which could be valued at up to $2.1 million, are coming to light just ahead of a crucial primary election against Rep. Haley Stevens (D-Mich.). While much of this information was previously noted in a report last year, the new filing brings three significant updates.
El-Sayed and his wife reported rental properties located in Dubai, valued at up to $250,000, along with debts owed to companies in Dubai that reach as much as $100,000. Additionally, there have been updates to El-Sayed’s employment status in Michigan.
Earlier reports indicated that El-Sayed’s wife also owns rental properties in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and Bangalore, India. The Dubai property marks their third real estate investment. The debt of $50,000 to $100,000 is owed to a luxury real estate developer, Majid Al Futtaim Tilal. Notably, the filing states that El-Sayed served as a consultant in Wayne County, earning $72,000. This status marks a shift from a previous salaried position of $278,900.
Prominent gun control advocate Shannon Watts raised eyebrows, asking on social media, “Do you know many people who own rental properties in three countries?” Furthermore, Democratic analyst Rachel Bitekofer questioned, “Why are all socialists rich???” Combining the filings for 2025 and 2026, El-Sayed’s estimated net worth stands between $870,000 and $2.1 million.
The race in Michigan is gaining national attention. Stevens, backed by establishment figures like Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), is positioning herself against El-Sayed’s progressive proposals, which include abolishing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and establishing universal health care. Her platform has attracted support from known progressives such as Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.).
With a growing base of support among progressives, Stevens has been keen to paint El-Sayed as out of touch with the working-class voters he claims to represent. During a recent debate, she took aim at his net worth. “Look, I’m the only person running for Senate in Michigan who isn’t a billionaire,” she emphasized.
During the debate, Stevens highlighted El-Sayed’s financial disclosures, criticizing what she called a lack of transparency. “You haven’t released your tax returns… no one yet knows who’s putting money in your pockets,” she remarked. In response, El-Sayed did not address his tax returns and stated he had made the required disclosures.
El-Sayed’s latest financial information surfaced shortly after he requested a 90-day extension, which would have delayed his 2026 paperwork until well after the primary. He had promised to submit the disclosures before the election during a podcast discussion earlier this month.
When asked about the situation, El-Sayed’s campaign did not immediately respond to inquiries regarding both the timing of the disclosures and the details contained within them.
