Abdul El-Sayed in Detroit News

On Environment: Advocate for environmental justice on lead exposure

He's made a name for himself in Detroit as a leader in the fight for environmental justice, but the city's health chief has resigned to tackle his next challenge: a bid for governor. Dr. Abdul El-Sayed is pursuing the state's highest office on a platform that will be deeply rooted in his values of equity and inclusion.

In his tenure at the Detroit Department of Health & Wellness Promotion , El-Sayed overhauled the city's troubled animal control office and emerged as an outspoken advocate for residents most impacted by higher rates of lead exposure and asthma. He opposed Marathon Petroleum's controversial request to increase emissions in southwest Detroit and demanded a safer learning environment for city schoolchildren.

Source: The Detroit News on 2018 Michigan Gubernatorial race Feb 9, 2017

On Immigration: People who look like me are not sitting on the sidelines

El-Sayed told the crowd that some people think they can make the country great again by telling people who "look like me" that they don't belong here and they should sit on the sidelines. "We are not sitting on the sidelines," he said. "We must act. We cannot wait until our children are poisoned or their schools are shut down."

His supporters say his family reflects the diversity of the state. His parents are immigrants who left Egypt in pursuit of greater opportunity in America and other family members are farmers, teachers, and small-business owners who have lived in Gratiot County for generations.

Last month, Trump ordered a controversial ban on travel for immigrants from seven predominantly Muslim countries wracked by terrorism including Iran, Iraq and Syria.

Source: The Detroit News on 2018 Michigan Gubernatorial race Feb 25, 2017

The above quotations are from Media coverage of Michigan political races in Detroit News. Click here for other excerpts from Media coverage of Michigan political races in Detroit News. Click here for other excerpts by Abdul El-Sayed. Click here for a profile of Abdul El-Sayed.
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