Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed in 2016 called cars "the modern-day cigarette," in a clip Republicans highlighted this week.

"Cars are the modern-day cigarette. They're just - they're like - like why do we do it this way," he said.

Left-wing politicians have long been critical of American car usage due to the environmental impact, with many suggesting a buildout of public transportation.

El-Sayed's comments, however, could prove detrimental to his Senate campaign. Detroit has traditionally been the nation's automotive capital, and perceived hostility to a marquis industry in the state may not play well with voters.

Republicans, at least, seem to think his comments will favor them, and have highlighted the clip, which was first posted by The Midwesterner.

"He is a Green New Deal socialist who wants to completely dismantle Michigan’s auto industry," Senate Republicans said of El-Sayed.

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent for Just the News. Follow him on X.