Mehdi Hasan Questions Abdul El-Sayed on Credentials and Financial Transparency

Left-wing host Mehdi Hasan challenged Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed on Wednesday regarding his description as a “physician” without holding a valid state medical license. This scrutiny comes as El-Sayed competes in a primary that has garnered attention.

During a Zeteo interview, Hasan stated, “You got attacked by your rivals for calling yourself a physician, even though you don’t have a valid state medical license in New York or Michigan, which apparently is required legally to call oneself a physician. Do you wish you’d stuck to calling yourself a doctor, which you are, to avoid all of this controversy?”

In response, El-Sayed said, “At the end of the day, it’s not about whether or not I’m a physician or a doctor. It’s about whether or not kids get a good education.” Hasan retorted, “That’s a good line, but people would say it’s also about whether you told the truth.”

Hasan noted that El-Sayed’s rivals criticized him for using the term “physician” over “doctor.” El-Sayed emphasized his public health contributions, mentioning his tenure as the health director of Detroit where he stated, “I’ve done more to provide healthcare or eliminate medical debt than many doctors in their careers.”

El-Sayed remarked on his medical training, stating, “I took my medical education in a different direction, and I graduated from Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons. You can have that argument with Columbia University if needed.” Despite identifying as a “physician” in campaign materials, records indicate he never held medical licenses in New York or Michigan.

El-Sayed’s campaign did not immediately address Fox News Digital’s request for comment.

Regarding financial transparency, Hasan questioned El-Sayed about his extended deadline for personal finance disclosure, pointing out Rep. Haley Stevens’s critique regarding both El-Sayed and Republican Mike Rogers.

Hasan asked, “You sought an extension through August 13, after the primary. Was this to avoid transparency with voters?” El-Sayed attributed the delay to “complicated taxes” involving overseas property owned by his wife’s family.

Bridge Michigan reported that El-Sayed had postponed his 2026 financial disclosure beyond the August 4 primary to August 13. Meanwhile, Stevens had previously requested 90-day extensions for disclosures annually from 2019 to 2025.

Stevens’ campaign stated El-Sayed promised to release his financial disclosures before the primary after being challenged by Stevens during a debate. “Now, the clock is ticking. Abdul needs to make good on his promise to Michiganders,” said press director Arik Wolk for Stevens’ campaign.

CJ Womack, an associate editor at Fox News, highlighted the pivotal role of journalism in shaping politics and culture. CJ holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in Journalism from Long Beach State University. News tips can be sent to [email protected], and CJ can be followed on Twitter.