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‘There is only the United States of America’: Erika Kirk hits back after Abdul El-Sayed declares Michigan 'capital of Arab America'

Erika Kirk hit back at Abdul El-Sayed after he described Michigan as "the capital of Arab America” during a speech in Washington, DC.

Published on: Nov 8, 2026, 17:29:39 IST
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Charlie Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, hit back at Abdul El-Sayed after the Democratic Senate candidate described Michigan as "the capital of Arab America” during a speech in Washington, DC.

Charlie Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, hit back at Abdul El-Sayed after the Democratic Senate candidate described Michigan as "the capital of Arab America” during a speech in Washington, DC. (Photo by Finn Gomez / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP, AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson )
Charlie Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, hit back at Abdul El-Sayed after the Democratic Senate candidate described Michigan as "the capital of Arab America” during a speech in Washington, DC. (Photo by Finn Gomez / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP, AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson )

"My name is Abdulrahman Mohamed El-Sayed, and I'm honored to be the next United States Senator from the great state of Michigan," El-Sayed said.

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He acknowledged that he was speaking in the nation's capital, adding, "Obviously Washington is the capital of the United States of America, but Michigan is the capital of Arab America."

The comment has been criticized, induced by Erika, who wrote on X, “There is no “Arab America.” There is only the United States of America.”

Abdul El-Sayed’s victory

El-Sayed, a left-wing Democrat, won in the battleground state of Michigan to become the US' first Muslim senator. He bested Republican Mike Rogers.

El-Sayed’s victory came after his Democratic primary rival, Haley Stevens, endorsed Rogers just days before the election.

Democratic Congresswoman Ilhan Omar previously celebrated the election of El-Sayed to the US Senate, noting that his win would bring the number of Muslims serving in Congress to eight. This marks a milestone for Muslim American political representation.

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“Congratulations, Abdul El-Sayed,” Omar wrote on X. “You turned that inshallah into alhamdulillah.”

She added, “I am overwhelmed with gratitude knowing that we will now have 8 Muslims serving in Congress. They told us we couldn't speak up, couldn't challenge the status quo, and couldn't make it this far. But we did. Alhamdulillah.”

Muslim candidates secured victories in several congressional races in the 2026 midterm elections, including El-Sayed's Senate victory. The eight-member group comprises one senator and seven House members.

  • Sumanti Sen
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Sumanti Sen

    Sumanti Sen covers everything that’s happening in the US, from politics to entertainment, but her expertise lies in covering crime news. She has comprehensively chronicled the Idaho student murders, the Laken Riley and Iryna Zarutska cases, and the killing of Charlie Kirk, among other incidents. Over the years, she has interviewed several victims/families of victims of crimes seeking justice. She digs up stories that might otherwise remain unheard, and does her bit to ensure that victims and survivors’ voices are heard. Sumanti’s many years of experience also include interviews with Hamas attack survivors and mental health experts, among others. Her coverage of the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel and interviews with survivors of the tragedy, coupled with her other works including the Titan submersible coverage, earned her the Digi Journo of the Quarter award during her first year at Hindustan Times. Sumanti actively tracks missing person cases in the United States, and peruses Reddit and other social media platforms to bring to light cases that frequently elude public attention. She has extensively covered the disappearances of Nancy Guthrie, Thomas Medlin, Beau Mann, and Sudiksha Konanki, among others. When not at work, you will either find her with her novels, or with her beloved rescue pooches.Read More

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