Abdul El-Sayed, a socialist Senate candidate from Michigan, has sparked controversy with comments involving Usha Vance, the second lady. Critics are now questioning his potential treatment of female staff if elected in November.
El-Sayed is running against Republican Mike Rogers. The controversy began after El-Sayed responded to criticism from Vice President JD Vance. Vance had criticized El-Sayed’s views on Sharia law, suggesting it contradicted traditional American values, referencing his grandfather.
“El Sayed is now attacking Wives of US leaders? What a guy,” commented former Florida state Rep. Ben Graber.
El-Sayed questioned if JD Vance would introduce his wife Usha, of Indian descent, to his grandfather, implying racial undertones. This statement led to further accusations of racism and sexism.
El-Sayed’s campaign did not respond to Fox News Digital’s request for clarification.
“Why does Abdulrahman Mohamed El-Sayed just assume all White midwestern grandparents are racist?” asked Rep. Brandon Gill of Texas.
Commentator Ryan Girdusky advised rural White Americans in Michigan to consider El-Sayed’s views if they felt targeted by his comments.
Some Democrats supporting Mike Rogers highlighted what they see as El-Sayed’s contempt for women. They referenced past ads portraying El-Sayed as sexist and misogynistic.
Journalist Emily Schrader accused El-Sayed of racism following his comments. Others, like GOP strategist Matt Whitlock, criticized his campaign strategy.
Tudor Dixon, a former gubernatorial candidate in Michigan, questioned how El-Sayed would treat female staffers if he won office.
El-Sayed faced further criticism for his remarks about Natalie Harp, an aide to President Donald Trump. Harp has been subject to rumors of impropriety, which El-Sayed referenced in his comments.
Fox News Digital reached out to the vice president’s office and Usha Vance for their reactions, but no immediate response was received.
Trump Shifts Rhetoric to ‘Communism’ in Midterm Strategy 
Pence Advocates for Continued Pressure on Iran 
Randi Weingarten’s Political Statements Spark Debate at Teachers Union Convention 
Jesse Watters Primetime: Engaging News and Straight Talk 
Debate Over Democratic Party’s Future Intensifies Amid DSA Influence 
Washington D.C. Hosts IndyCar Race Spectacle with Trump in Attendance