Abdul El-Sayed: “I Do See Myself Doing It Again”
The former Democratic candidate for governor joins Detroit Today with Stephen Henderson to talk about the campaign and his future.
Gretchen Whitmer’s selection of a running mate on Monday sets a pretty clear course ahead for the general election. Garlin Gilchrist is a young progressive who has proven to be a prolific fundraiser and a hard-working campaigner. Whitmer’s campaign hopes he can help get voters excited to show up to the polls in November — especially those young progressives — as well as folks here in Detroit where Whitmer struggled in the primary election.
These were voters that Whitmer’s main opponent in the primary election also courted. Dr. Abdul El-Sayed came away with just over 30 percent of Democratic votes for governor. But it was the enthusiasm and grassroots nature of his campaign that turned a lot of heads. So much so that many people here thought he should be Whitmer’s choice for running mate.
So, what’s next for El-Sayed?
He tells Detroit Today host Stephen Henderson he’s not done with elective politics.
“I do see myself doing it again,” says El-Sayed. “Who knows when or where. But I do see it happening again.”
In the meantime, he says he hopes his supporters will still turn out for Whitmer. He says he’s pleased with Gilchrist joining the ticket.
“I am supporting Gretchen and Garlin,” he says. “Garlin is someone who I respect a lot because I’ve worked with him,”
“Don’t ‘Abdul-Or-Bust’ me,” El-Sayed continues. “Get behind Gretchen and Garlin. I am.”
Click on the audio player above to hear the full conversation.
