Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed defended his past criticism of Fourth of July fireworks displays during a radio interview Monday, telling listeners that Americans should find alternative ways to express patriotism.

Appearing on "The Breakfast Club," El-Sayed addressed controversy over a 2024 YouTube video in which he called for ending the fireworks tradition due to air quality concerns. The video was deleted from his channel after CNN reported its existence earlier this month, but El-Sayed stood by the substance of his remarks.

Air Quality Argument

El-Sayed told host Charlamagne tha God that fireworks shows produce hazardous air pollution that triggers asthma attacks and heart problems. He suggested Americans could demonstrate their love of country through community service or civic engagement instead of pyrotechnics.

When pressed on whether the criticism alienates moderate voters, El-Sayed pushed back, saying "If your whole conception of America is that it's fireworks, I'm so sorry. You don't have a complete conception of America."

Deleted Video Content

In the removed YouTube video, titled "Four Reasons Why Fireworks Suck," El-Sayed asked viewers to "PLEASE" find another way to celebrate Independence Day. He cited environmental impact, noise pollution, wildfire risk, and costs to local governments as justifications for ending the tradition.

CNN reported the video also included discussion of whether the Second Amendment should be replaced with alternative gun regulations, though El-Sayed did not address that topic in Monday's radio appearance. His campaign has not responded to requests for comment on why the video was deleted if he still supports its message.

Republican Attack Lines

The fireworks comments have become a central focus of Republican attacks in the Michigan Senate race, where El-Sayed faces Rep. Kevin Rinke in November. Rinke's campaign released an ad featuring the CNN story and accusing El-Sayed of being "out of touch with Michigan values."

Michigan Republican Party Chairman Pete Hoekstra called the fireworks stance "emblematic of the radical left's hostility to American traditions" in a statement released after the radio interview. He said the comments would resonate with working-class voters in Macomb and Oakland counties who favor Republicans on cultural issues.

El-Sayed won the Democratic primary in March with 48 percent of the vote, defeating Rep. Haley Stevens and activist Jon Cherry. His campaign emphasizes healthcare access and economic justice, positioning him as a progressive alternative to what he calls corporate-backed candidates.

Polling Impact

Recent surveys show the Michigan race within the margin of error, with El-Sayed at 47 percent and Rinke at 48 percent in the RealClearPolling average. Democrats view the seat as critical to any path to regaining the Senate majority, though party strategists worry El-Sayed's progressive positions may struggle in suburban districts that flipped to Democrats in 2024.

The controversy follows similar criticism of El-Sayed's past support for "defund the police" proposals and single-payer healthcare. His campaign argues that voters care more about kitchen table economics than cultural disputes, though Republicans maintain the fireworks issue encapsulates broader concerns about Democratic priorities.