Vance characterizes Democratic Senate hopeful Abdul El-Sayed as ‘evil’ - NBC News

At a MAGA Inc. rally in Sterling Heights, Michigan on Aug. 31, 2026, Vice President JD Vance described Abdul El-Sayed, the state's Democratic Senate nominee, as "very, very evil."
Vance argued that El-Sayed represents people who fight for one group at the expense of others, framing it as a threat that could "destroy the United States of America."
The vice president referenced El-Sayed's response to a March attack on a Michigan synagogue, in which El-Sayed said "hurt people hurt people"; El-Sayed recently apologized, saying his comments "may have been misconstrued."
Vance also cited El-Sayed's association with Twitch streamer Hasan Piker, who previously said "America deserved 9/11" and later apologized; El-Sayed, who is Muslim, called the remark "dumb" during an NBC "Meet the Press" appearance.
El-Sayed faces former Rep. Mike Rogers, who also spoke at the rally, in a November race that could help determine control of the Senate, with the seat open because Democratic Sen. Gary Peters is not seeking a third term.
Vance accused El-Sayed of having compassion only for people who share his faith, calling this "the root of this terrible evil" and urging attendees to speak against it in November.