Vice President JD Vance criticized Michigan Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed during a speech at the Cleveland-Cliffs Middletown Works steel plant in Ohio on August 21, 2026. Vance highlighted El-Sayed's previous comments linking criticism of Sharia law to White supremacy as indicative of the Democratic Party's shift away from its working-class roots. Vance referred to his grandfather's Democratic affiliation, stating that the party now represents graduate students rather than union workers.
Vance specifically mentioned El-Sayed's remarks made during a speech at the Council on American-Islamic Relations’ (CAIR) 2022 annual banquet, where El-Sayed criticized a 2010 ballot measure aimed at banning Sharia law in court decisions. El-Sayed argued that historical injustices, including the Trail of Tears and the Tulsa massacre, are connected to contemporary discussions about Sharia law and White supremacy.
El-Sayed has faced criticism from conservatives for his views, including accusations of viewing politics through the lens of race and religion. He has also made statements regarding Israel that have raised concerns among members of the Jewish community. Following his primary victory, El-Sayed expressed a commitment to combating antisemitism, stating that his commitment to Jewish safety is as strong as his commitment to his own children's safety. Fox News Digital reached out to El-Sayed’s campaign for comment but did not receive an immediate response.