Vice President JD Vance accused Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed of “explicitly anti-white racial hatred” on Oct. 27. He made the remark before a rally in Howell, Michigan, for Republican candidate Mike Rogers, one week before Election Day on Nov. 3.
According to Newsweek, Vance told reporters that El-Sayed has engaged in racial hatred that he stated has become common in the Democratic Party. He added, “I’d say that person should not be elected.” Vance also stated that Republicans stand for everybody, “whether you’re black or white.”
Asked about President Donald Trump’s description of El-Sayed as a “jihadist,” Vance stated that El-Sayed has “a lot of weird friends.” El-Sayed has repeatedly denied any affiliation with the Muslim Brotherhood.
Vance addresses gas prices at the rally
At the rally, Vance acknowledged that gas prices are high but blamed Democratic policies, including what he called the “Green New Scam.” He claimed that the Biden administration shut down 20 percent of West Coast refinery capacity. He also stated that the Trump administration is “fighting every single day for energy dominance.”
AAA listed the national average for regular gas at $4.2471 on Oct. 28, down from $4.4768 a month earlier and up from $3.0437 a year earlier. Its site also noted that crude oil is nearing $100 per barrel. Vance referred to unrest in France and suggested a similar outcome if El-Sayed wins, according to the report. Near the end of his speech, he stated, “Michigan belongs to those who love it, not those who hate it.”
Vance also questioned how El-Sayed describes his background. El-Sayed was born in Rochester Hills, Michigan, to Egyptian immigrant parents, and Vance noted that he once called himself an “immigrant from North Africa.” Vance alleged that El-Sayed also described himself as an Egyptian citizen. El-Sayed’s campaign has disputed claims that he deliberately misrepresented his citizenship status.
Spokeswoman Roxie Richner told the Washington Free Beacon that the claim was “an error based on what he was told by family members secondhand.” At a news conference in Detroit on Monday, El-Sayed described Republican accusations as “deflections and deceptions based on no evidence.” He has called questions about his loyalty to the United States “shameful,” and his campaign has called allegations from Rogers “bad-faith lies.”
Rogers is a former congressman and former chairman of the House Intelligence Committee. He is running for the seat of retiring Democratic Sen. Gary Peters, and Vance called him “fundamentally a decent guy.” Vance also campaigned for Rep. Tom Barrett in Michigan’s 7th District, calling him “a patriot” who would secure the border.
A Glengariff Group poll for WDIV-TV and The Detroit News, conducted Oct. 19-22, found El-Sayed at 51.4 percent and Rogers at 45.1 percent among 600 likely voters. The margin of error was plus or minus 4 percentage points. A polling average cited by the Washington Examiner showed El-Sayed ahead by about 2.5 points. Republicans hold a 53-47 Senate majority.
Former President Barack Obama also appeared at a Detroit rally for the Democratic nominee.
Published: Oct 28, 2026 02:49 pm