Abdul El‑Sayed’s campaign for the United States Senate in Michigan has received a $200,000 contribution from his father‑in‑law, Tayeb Jukaku, a long‑standing leader within the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA). The money was channelled through the Fighting for Michigan PAC, which has earmarked the bulk of its resources to support El‑Sayed’s primary challenge to Representative Haley Stevens.
Donor’s organisational ties
Jukaku sits on ISNA’s 20‑member founding committee and has a history of regular donations, giving at least $5,000 each year to the body. Federal authorities have repeatedly linked ISNA to the Muslim Brotherhood and to financing channels associated with Hamas. In the 2007 case United States v. Holy Land Foundation for Relief and Development, ISNA was named an unindicted co‑conspirator in a prosecution that secured convictions for funneling $12 million to Hamas. Prosecutors also described ISNA as part of a broader U.S. Muslim Brotherhood network.
His involvement with ISNA dates back to at least 2007, and he previously led the Council on American‑Islamic Relations (CAIR) Michigan chapter from 2005 to 2010. CAIR, like ISNA, was listed as an unindicted co‑conspirator in the same 2007 case.
Campaign finance paradox
El‑Sayed’s public messaging repeatedly stresses the need to remove money from politics, with slogans such as “money out of politics” appearing on his campaign literature. Yet the Fighting for Michigan PAC, which derives nearly half of its funding from Jukaku, is spending heavily to promote his candidacy.
Expert assessment
Lorenzo Vidino, director of the Program on Extremism at George Washington University, noted that ISNA was "historically created by the Muslim Brotherhood" and added, "To be on the founding committee means being among the organization's elders," highlighting Jukaku’s senior status within the group.
Additional connections
Jukaku continues to serve on the board of CAIR’s Michigan chapter. In 2023 he appeared alongside CAIR executive director Nihad Awad at an event where Awad voiced support for Hamas.
El‑Sayed’s response
The candidate has not commented on the donation, nor has his campaign answered queries about his stance on extremist organisations. He previously declined to speak on the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, citing a desire not to alienate left‑wing voters.
Other funding streams
The American Priorities PAC, an anti‑Israel group that opposes AIPAC influence, is also contributing to El‑Sayed’s Senate bid.
Both ISNA and Jukaku did not respond to requests for comment.