As Michigan Democrat Dr. Abdul El-Sayed campaigns for the U.S. Senate, his past calls for stricter COVID-19 measures during the pandemic are drawing renewed attention.

During his 2021 bid for Michigan governor, El-Sayed advocated for another statewide shutdown to combat the spread of the virus. When asked if he would order a shutdown as governor, he replied without hesitation: “There’s no question.” He cited CDC guidance and the success of previous lockdowns in the spring and fall, describing it as “a responsibility.”

El-Sayed proposed a two- to three-week “pause” and suggested that businesses failing to comply should face “a very annoying but real fine.”

“I get that people are sick of this but it’s the right thing to do to stop the spread of this contagious variant of the virus. What is the alternative?” he said at the time.

The comments come from a 2021 PBS interview during the height of concerns over variants. El-Sayed, a physician and former Detroit health commissioner, also addressed vaccine distribution challenges in cities like Detroit, attributing difficulties to systemic racism and poverty. He called for mobile vaccination efforts (“vaccines on wheels”) and collaboration with trusted community leaders such as pastors and block club captains to overcome hesitancy.

El-Sayed hosted a twice-weekly podcast during the pandemic to discuss public health policy and appeared as a CNN contributor focused on COVID-19 issues.

His current U.S. Senate campaign platform emphasizes Medicare for All, codifying abortion rights, and expanding access to gender-affirming care. As the August 4 Democratic primary approaches, opponents and critics are expected to highlight his earlier support for lockdowns and business penalties amid ongoing debates over the long-term impacts of pandemic restrictions on Michigan families and small businesses.

The resurfaced positions add to the scrutiny of El-Sayed’s record - and lack of thinking-for-myself attitude- as he seeks to represent Michigan in the Senate.