Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed on Monday responded to remarks by Vice President JD Vance, who characterized El-Sayed as "evil" during a campaign event. The exchange occurred as candidates campaign in Michigan ahead of the 2026 election to fill the seat held by retiring Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich.).
Earlier on Monday, Vice President Vance spoke at a rally in Detroit, where he addressed El-Sayed's candidacy. Vance stated, "There’s something about Abdul El-Sayed that is very, very evil and on the rise in the United States of America today." The Vice President also met with Jewish voters in the state to discuss policy regarding Israel.
In a Monday night interview with CNN’s Kaitlan Collins, El-Sayed countered Vance’s description by criticizing policy positions and political history. El-Sayed defined "evil" as starting wars during times of peace, stripping away healthcare options for those without alternatives, and passing tax cuts for billionaires. He also referenced Vance's past criticism of President Trump, stating that "corrupting yourself because you want a little bit more power" is what he considers evil.
The candidates offer distinct policy platforms. El-Sayed supports "Medicare for All," which would shift Americans from private insurance to a government-run healthcare system, and the abolition of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The source notes that Rogers and the GOP are facing issues including the Iran war and economic concerns, while Rogers also faces headwinds from President Trump's slumping approval ratings.
The rhetoric in this race reflects broader national debates over foreign policy and government programs. El-Sayed has called for a reduction in U.S. financial support for Israel, a position that contrasts with Vance's recent outreach to Jewish voters. The final decision rests with Michigan voters in November 2026.