On Election Day, Michigan Democrat Abdul El-Sayed confronted Sky News reporter James Matthews, placing his hands on Matthews’ shoulders and demanding to know why he should answer questions from a journalist whose audience did not have the ability to vote for him.
El-Sayed, who successfully defeated Republican Mike Rogers in Michigan’s Senate race, dismissed Matthews by questioning the credibility and relevance of a British network during a crucial U.S. election.
“Are you registered to vote in the state of Michigan?” El-Sayed aggressively inquired, stepping closer to the reporter.
When Matthews replied that he was not, El-Sayed retorted, “Why would I care to have a conversation with you?” The situation escalated as he continued to assert that he was uninterested in an exchange with someone from overseas.
After Matthews insisted that his reporting mattered and highlighted El-Sayed’s ambitions, the Democrat insisted that he had no interest in appealing to voters in the U.K.
In a moment of frustration, El-Sayed reiterated, “I’m never running for office in the U.K.,” while again placing his hands on Matthews’ shoulders.
Matthews maintained that the election had global significance, to which El-Sayed responded dismissively, questioning the validation of Sky News in the U.S.
“Sky News is not viewed in the United States of America,” he claimed, disregarding Matthews’ explanation about the outlet’s international reach.
“I’ve answered all the questions for the viewers of the United Kingdom. So I’m going to ask you to stop chasing me around. Please,” El-Sayed stated, walking away amid the tense exchange.
Countering this claim, Matthews denied that he was pursuing the candidate.
Sky News defended its reporter, emphasizing his role in questioning a candidate whose decisions could impact far beyond Michigan. A spokesperson stated their pride in Matthews for addressing the essentials of the election campaign on behalf of their audience.
This incident was not isolated, as earlier, Matthews had attempted to interview El-Sayed regarding endorsements in the race.
Despite the confrontational atmosphere during the campaign, El-Sayed emerged victorious in a closely watched Senate race, thwarting Republican objectives in a critical battleground state.
El-Sayed celebrated his win the following day, as his party achieved control of both the House and Senate, marking a significant setback for Republicans.
WATCH:
Michigan’s Democratic candidate for Senate Abdul El-Sayed confronted @jamesmatthewsky, telling him he wouldn’t answer his questions as he wants “zero” votes in the UK.
Watch the heated exchange between the two.
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— Sky News (@SkyNews) November 3, 2026
