Dorothy

El-Sayed did not explicitly call for the government to seize or take ownership of private AI companies, instead describing possible forms of “public control” that included public representation on corporate boards or an oversight body.

"Democracy is supposed to fix these problems and right now they’re trying to slip democracy and we cannot allow that," El-Sayed continued about the political power tech companies wield in Washington. "And so we need leaders who both understand the technological risk and are not bought off by the AI industry itself. It is mission-critical right now for our future."

The June podcast comments are drawing fresh attention as El-Sayed, a progressive who has embraced comparisons to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, seeks to carry that brand of politics into a marquee statewide Senate race. The resurfaced exchange also comes amid a broader debate over the Democratic Party’s embrace of democratic socialists and how far the movement’s economic agenda extends beyond policies such as universal healthcare and a higher minimum wage.

“You know, Jesus, peace and blessings be upon Him, was considered radical in His time too,” El-Sayed said. “And there is a radical nature to being willing to stand forthright in a time of corruption.”