AI & Tech

Abdul Elsayed proposes public takeover of AI firms with 50 percent democratic control

Name: Abdul Elsayed proposes public takeover of AI firms with 50 percent democratic control
Uploaded: 2026-07-08T13:01:00+00:00
Description: Elsayed unveiled a plan to mandate public ownership and democratic control of major AI companies, proposing to divest them from legacy tech firms like Microsoft, Meta, and Google. He would charter them as public interest corporations operating under a "first do no harm" principle similar to medical ethics. The proposal goes further than Bernie Sanders's AI regulation plans.

Zeteo · Can This Muslim Michigan Senate Candidate Beat His AIPAC-Backed Competition? · July 8, 2026

Zeteo

Can This Muslim Michigan Senate Candidate Beat His AIPAC-Backed Competition?

"AI is lifealtering technology. And the issue with AI is not the technology. The issue with AI is the incentive driving the technology. AI might be new technology, but the oldest technology we have on the book in in terms of figuring out how to regulate technology is democracy. And I think we need to put AI under democracy. So what we're proposing is not just 50% ownership for the public, but also 50 plus 1% control."

Elsayed unveiled a plan to mandate public ownership and democratic control of major AI companies, proposing to divest them from legacy tech firms like Microsoft, Meta, and Google. He would charter them as public interest corporations operating under a "first do no harm" principle similar to medical ethics. The proposal goes further than Bernie Sanders's AI regulation plans.

About this episode

Michigan Senate candidate Abdul Elsayed, a progressive physician and former public health official, discussed his primary race against Democratic establishment favorite Congresswoman Haley Stevens in an interview focused on his policy positions and campaign dynamics. Elsayed currently leads in polling at 44 percent versus Stevens's 33 percent and has the strongest general election numbers against Republican Mike Rogers, according to recent surveys. He faces over $30 million in spending against him, including $2.3 million from AIPAC-affiliated groups backing Stevens. Elsayed made several striking declarations: he would not vote for Chuck Schumer as Senate majority leader, instead endorsing Chris Van Hollen; he wants to treat Israel as a "rogue nation" and opposes all US weapons sales including defensive systems; and he proposed a radical plan for 50 percent public ownership and democratic control of major AI companies. On healthcare, Elsayed defended his support for Medicare for All and his use of the title "physician" despite lacking active medical licenses in New York or Michigan. He addressed attacks on his wealth and transparency, noting his wife's family owns property abroad. When asked about Islamophobia he faces as a potential first Muslim senator, Elsayed invoked post-9/11 experiences and American pluralism. He ruled out a 2028 presidential run if elected. The interview covered his grassroots campaign strategy of visiting 110 Michigan cities and holding 450 public events, his critique of Democratic Party corporate money, and his view that Michigan voters keep rejecting establishment candidates because they want someone focused on "getting money out of politics."

Key takeaways

Abdul Elsayed leads Michigan Democratic Senate primary polling at 44 percent and has strongest general election numbers against Republican Mike Rogers according to recent surveys.
Elsayed stated he would not vote for Chuck Schumer as Senate majority leader if elected, instead endorsing Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland for the role.
The candidate said he has nightmares about children orphaned by Israeli military operations and wants to treat Israel as a rogue nation, opposing all US weapons sales including Iron Dome.
Elsayed proposed mandating 50 percent public ownership and democratic control of major AI companies, divesting them from firms like Microsoft and Google.
AIPAC-affiliated groups have spent $2.3 million backing opponent Haley Stevens while total spending against Elsayed exceeds $30 million according to the candidate.
Elsayed defended calling himself a physician despite lacking active medical licenses in New York or Michigan, citing his Columbia medical degree and public health work.
The candidate ruled out running for president in 2028 if elected to the Senate, saying he wants to focus on Michigan and use his platform to shape the next president.