Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El‑Sayed set off a firestorm by attacking Vice President JD Vance’s wife Usha Vance and questioning how a potential administration would treat female staffers. The remarks came after Vance criticized El‑Sayed for saying he follows Sharia law, prompting the candidate to retort with a racially charged jab.
El‑Sayed’s attack on Usha Vance sparks backlash
El‑Sayed posted a comment suggesting Usha Vance would take JD Vance “back in time to meet Papaw,” a reference to the second lady’s Indian heritage, and implied that rural White Michigan voters are racists. Former Florida state Rep. Ben Graber called the move “what a guy,” while Rep. Brandon Gill of Texas asked why El‑Sayed assumed all White Midwestern grandparents are racist.
GOP leaders condemn the remarks
Commentator Ryan Girdusky warned that El‑Sayed believes Michigan’s rural White voters are racists, and Republican former gubernatorial candidate Tudor Dixon said the candidate “picks on women who are not in his fight.” An X account run by Democrats supporting opponent Mike Rogers labeled the comments “disgusting” and accused El‑Sayed of sexism.
Campaign and White House stay silent
El‑Sayed’s campaign did not answer Fox News Digital’s request for clarification, and the vice president’s office has not responded to inquiries about the remarks. Journalist Emily Schrader labeled the post a “racist creep,” while a Democratic‑aligned X account warned voters to reject El‑Sayed over his “contempt for women.”
Feud widens to Trump aide Natalie Harp
Earlier, El‑Sayed mocked Trump aide Natalie Harp, saying she “needs her rest” after Trump attacked him for appearing with far‑left streamer Hasan Piker. Piker has claimed America deserved 9/11, adding fuel to the controversy.
Rivals and allies denounce the tactics
GOP strategist Matt Whitlock posted screenshots of the attacks, calling the campaign “bad, bad, bad” and urging voters to shut down the “bad takes.” Dixon warned that if El‑Sayed becomes senator he could mistreat female staffers in Congress.
Peter D’Abrosca is a politics reporter at Fox News Digital.
