Democratic contender Abdul El-Sayed hits back at JD Vance over ‘evil’ taunt

Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed has responded to attacks from Republican Vice President JD Vance, who called El-Sayed "terrible evil" and accused him of prioritizing one group over others. El-Sayed countered that depriving people of healthcare and affordable groceries is the true evil. Vance's remarks, made in a speech in Sterling Heights, Michigan, also touched on El-Sayed's past comments about an attacker and a personal jab at Vance's wife. El-Sayed suggested Vance uses "dog whistles" related to ethnicity and religion, arguing Vance's political philosophy implies some Americans are more valid than others. Vance urged voters to reject El-Sayed and support Republican nominee Mike Rogers.

At a campaign rally in Michigan, US Vice-President JD Vance labeled Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed as "very, very evil" and a divisive figure. Vance also warned El-Sayed to refrain from mentioning his wife, Usha Vance, who is Hindu, after El-Sayed seemingly suggested Vance's grandfather would not approve of her. El-Sayed responded by accusing the Trump administration of pursuing "evil" policies and initiating foreign conflicts. The race for the Senate seat, which El-Sayed is contesting against Trump ally Mike Rogers, has been marked by personal attacks. Vance's accusations against El-Sayed, who is Muslim, included claims of seeking to "destroy" the country and associating with individuals who have made controversial statements regarding 9/11.