Leaked audio has revealed a Democratic Senate candidate in Michigan suggesting that his campaign should not engage with questions regarding the death of Ayatollah Khamenei. He expressed concern that it might upset voters in the Dearborn area.
Abdul El-Sayed encouraged his campaign staff to redirect focus onto attacking President Donald Trump instead. “I’m just gonna go straight to pedophilia, frankly,” he declared, indicating this would be his strategy for handling inquiries related to Khamenei’s death.
Khamenei’s demise resulted from recent Israeli strikes, which was confirmed by Iranian officials. As a leading figure in Shia Islam, Khamenei was at the helm of a regime long criticized by the U.S. for its support of terrorism and oppressive measures.
Dearborn is notable for its significant Arab-American and Muslim demographic, and has served as a political battleground, particularly when President Trump garnered support there due to discontent with Democratic foreign policy.
El-Sayed addressed the sensitive nature of the situation, stating, “I also want to remind you guys that there are a lot of people in Dearborn who are sad today.” He maintained that discussing Khamenei wouldn’t be wise.
He warned his team that reporters might attempt to prod the campaign into justifying the strike. “We have the moral high ground here,” he said, insisting they should sidestep such traps.
HOLY CRAP
Audio obtained by @FreeBeacon shows Michigan Democrat Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed warning not to make a statement about Khameini’s death because “a lot of people in Dearborn are sad”
MASS DENATURALIZATIONS AND DEPORTATIONS pic.twitter.com/AR9YqhPUw2
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) March 30, 2026
The audio also revealed El-Sayed suggesting a line of attack against the American Israel Public Affairs Committee. He claimed, “You know what benefits from the war? It benefits Israel, who has captured too many of our politicians through AIPAC contributions.”
Identified as the most progressive Democrat in the race to succeed retiring Sen. Gary Peters, El-Sayed is up against Michigan state Sen. Mallory McMorrow and Rep. Haley Stevens in the primary.
Republican candidates view this seat as a significant opportunity, rallying behind former Rep. Mike Rogers, who has secured Trump’s endorsement.
The Post reached out to El-Sayed’s campaign for a response. Campaign lawyers mentioned that they may take legal action concerning the leaked recording.
“The campaign is considering its legal options against the individual in question,” the lawyers stated. They asked that this context be considered in any reporting on the matter.
In the wake of Khamenei’s passing, Iran has reportedly positioned his son, Mojtaba, in a leading role, although the latter has yet to make a public appearance. This week, Trump was quoted as saying he is believed to be “in extraordinarily bad shape.”
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