“We Are Christians, We Honour His Islam — We Said Enough Is Enough To The Islamophobic Lies Against Our Grandson” — Abdul El-Sayed’s Christian Grandparents

November 8, 2026 Northern Nigeria

The Christian grandparents of Michigan Senator-elect Abdul El-Sayed have revealed how they felt about the Islamophobic attacks, false claims and lying ads targeted at their Muslim grandson during the election, saying they could no longer stay silent while untruths were told about someone they raised and love.

Jan and Judy Johnson, the maternal grandparents of El-Sayed, joined ABC News Live from Hamburg Township, Michigan, following his historic mid-term election victory.

The anchor introduced them as among his biggest champions throughout the campaign, who starred in viral campaign ads defending their grandson’s character and public service record.

Senator Elect Abdul Elsayed and His grandparents and wife

Election Night: Pure Overwhelming Joy And Relief

Asked what was going through their minds when the race was officially called and they realised their grandson was headed to the United States Senate, Judy Johnson said:

“Oh, thank you! It was just pure overwhelming joy and relief. We’ve watched him work so hard for this community for so many years. To see the voters of Michigan place their trust in him at this scale was an incredible, emotional moment for all of us.”

Jan Johnson added:

“It really was. Seeing him up on stage with his wife Sarah and knowing how dedicated he is to public service… we just couldn’t be prouder.”

Interfaith Family Roots: Christian Grandparents, Muslim Grandson

Asked how their blended, interfaith family navigated different cultural and religious traditions when Abdul was growing up, and how that influenced the man and leader he became, Jan said family has always come first above all else.

“You know, for us, family has always come first above all else. When Abdul was growing up, he spent so much time with us here in Livingston County — swimming in the lake, having dinners, learning, and sharing. Respect, empathy, and love were always the core foundation.”

Judy said faith and family values cross all boundaries.

“That’s exactly right. Faith and family values cross all boundaries. We celebrated our Christian traditions, and we respected and honored his Islamic background and heritage. Sharing holidays, meals, and family moments together taught him from a very young age how to listen to everyone, bring people together, and lead with empathy.”

Stepping Into Spotlight To Defend Abdul Against Islamophobic Attacks

Asked what it was like stepping into the political spotlight to defend their grandson after they became breakout stars of the campaign trail when they appeared in ads hitting back against political attack ads, Judy said they had said enough is enough to the false, Islamophobic attacks.

“When we started seeing false claims and lying ads on TV, we said, ‘Enough is enough.’ As grandparents, when someone tells untruths about someone you raised and love, you stand up! We wanted to look straight into the camera and tell voters who Abdul really is — a dedicated public servant who cares about real people.”

Jan said:

“We just wanted the public to hear the truth directly from the people who have known him his whole life.”

Holiday Traditions And Advice For Capitol Hill

Asked with Thanksgiving and the holiday season approaching how the family plans to celebrate the victory together around the dinner table, and what advice they are giving Senator-elect El-Sayed as he prepares to head to Washington D.C., Judy said:

“Our holiday table has always been about bringing together every member of our family — sharing food, laughing, and counting our blessings. We’ll be doing just that, celebrating family first.”

Jan said:

“And as for advice: we tell him to stay grounded, remember where he came from, stay true to the values of integrity and hard work, and serve all the people of Michigan with his full heart.”