A discussion about Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed sparked a tense exchange between Fox News cohosts Jessica Tarlov and Greg Gutfeld on The Five, with the conversation turning to Muslim representation in positions of political power.

The clash unfolded during Thursday’s, October 22, episode, when the panel debated El-Sayed and his Republican opponent, Mike Rogers.

The disagreement began when Gutfeld argued that Rogers “shouldn’t have to try that hard” to defeat what he described as a “questionable” candidate.

Tarlov pushed back, suggesting that Rogers’ association with President Donald Trump could influence voters’ decisions in the upcoming midterm elections.

“Mike Rogers represents a bad economy; he rubber stamps the president’s decisions, including this war with Iran,” Tarlov argued.

Gutfeld interrupted, dismissing her comments as a “political take, not a real take” before repeating his view that Rogers should face an easier contest against someone he called an “imposter.”

Tarlov Defends El-Sayed’s Message About Faith and the Constitution

The discussion grew more contentious when fellow cohost Jesse Watters challenged Tarlov’s characterization of El-Sayed’s campaign. Watters suggested that she should run the candidate’s campaign herself, arguing that El-Sayed was not campaigning on the issues she had highlighted.

“The campaign is now about Abdul’s record,” Watters said.

Tarlov continued making her case, pointing to remarks El-Sayed had delivered at a recent rally. She cited his statement that he was “proud of America and proud of our Constitution that gives us all the right to pray how he choose to pray.”

She also referenced a campaign advertisement in which El-Sayed discusses his religious faith and argues for greater representation of people of faith in political office.

That prompted Gutfeld to challenge her directly.

“And you support this?!” he asked. “You want more Muslims in positions of power?”

Tarlov responded without backing away from her position.

“When you say it like that, yeah I do want more Muslims in positions of power because, guess what, all Muslims aren’t part of the Muslim Brotherhood,” she said.

Gutfeld laughed off her response before adding, “I’m aware of that. It’s a shame their leaders tend to be linked to things.”

What the Numbers Say About Muslim Representation in Congress

The exchange comes amid broader discussions about religious representation in American politics.

According to research published by the Pew Research Center in January 2025, Muslims accounted for 0.8% of voting members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives.

The same research found that Christians made up 87% of voting members of Congress. Jewish lawmakers accounted for another 6%, while Buddhists represented 0.6%.

The figures provided context for the debate over the presence of different religious communities in elected office, although the panel’s disagreement centered on El-Sayed’s campaign and the role of faith in politics.

The Debate Sparks a Clash on ‘The Five’

The exchange between Tarlov and Gutfeld highlighted their sharply contrasting views on El-Sayed’s candidacy and the question of Muslim representation in positions of power.

While Tarlov defended the candidate’s emphasis on religious freedom and constitutional rights, Gutfeld questioned the message and challenged her support for increasing Muslim representation in government.

The full discussion is available in the video shared by Fox News. The Five airs weeknights at 5/4c on Fox News.

Source: Compiled from various sources