American Federation of Teachers president Randi Weingarten endorsed Abdul El-Sayed for Michigan Senate, appearing alongside him and Rep. Rashida Tlaib at a weekend event.
Weingarten, who identifies as Jewish and is married to a rabbi, framed her support as pushback against what she called "Islamophobia and antisemitism" targeting El-Sayed's campaign.
Critics, including conservative commentator Laura Loomer, are questioning why the head of America's largest teachers' union is backing a candidate they describe as having ties to Islamist politics. Loomer called the endorsement "disturbing" and suggested it reflects broader concerns about ideological influence in public education.
El-Sayed, a former Detroit health director, has faced scrutiny over his political associations and views on Middle East policy. The AFT has not responded to requests for comment on the controversy.
Weingarten, who identifies as Jewish and is married to a rabbi, framed her support as pushback against what she called "Islamophobia and antisemitism" targeting El-Sayed's campaign.
Critics, including conservative commentator Laura Loomer, are questioning why the head of America's largest teachers' union is backing a candidate they describe as having ties to Islamist politics. Loomer called the endorsement "disturbing" and suggested it reflects broader concerns about ideological influence in public education.
El-Sayed, a former Detroit health director, has faced scrutiny over his political associations and views on Middle East policy. The AFT has not responded to requests for comment on the controversy.