Vance calls Michigan Senate candidate El-Sayed 'evil' at campaign rally
US Vice-President JD Vance labeled Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed 'evil' during a campaign rally, citing the candidate's past associations. El-Sayed responded by criticizing the Trump administration's policies.
Why it matters
The exchange highlights the increasingly polarized and personal nature of the 2026 US Senate election cycle.
Image source, AFP via Getty Images By Bernd Debusmann White House reporter Published 1 September 2026, 16:44 BST Updated 1 hour ago US Vice-President JD Vance has described Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed as "a very, very evil" person at a campaign rally in Michigan, accusing him of being a divisive figure.
He also warned El-Sayed to "keep my wife's name the hell out of your mouth", after the candidate appeared to suggest that Vance's late grandfather would not accept Second Lady Usha Vance, who is Hindu.
El-Sayed shot back at Vance later on Monday, accusing the Trump administration of pushing "evil" policies and "starting wars abroad when there's peace".
The 41-year-old candidate is facing Trump ally Mike Rogers in what has quickly become a senate race characterised by personal attacks and insults between the two.
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