Michigan Senate primary candidate Abdul El‑Sayed, a self‑described democratic socialist, sparked a wave of online criticism after posting remarks that referenced Second Lady Usha Vance and Trump aide Natalie Harp. The posts, made on Saturday, came shortly after Vice President JD Vance rebuked El‑Sayed for earlier comments about Sharia law during a rally in Ohio.
Comments about Usha Vance
In a social‑media post, El‑Sayed wrote, “So do we think JD is taking Usha with him back in time to meet Papaw, or no…,” alluding to the second lady’s Indian heritage and to Vance’s grandfather, whom El‑Sayed calls his “Papaw.” The phrasing was interpreted by many as a personal jab at the vice president’s wife.
Former Florida state representative Ben Graber responded on X, saying, “El‑Sayed is now attacking wives of U.S. leaders? What a guy.” Rep. Brandon Gill (R‑TX) added, “Why does Abdulrahman Mohamed El‑Sayed just assume that all White Midwestern grandparents are racist?” Commentator Ryan Girdusky echoed the sentiment, noting, “If you’re a rural White American living in Michigan, just remember El‑Sayed believes you’re a racist.”
Remarks about Natalie Harp
El‑Sayed also directed a post toward Natalie Harp, a senior aide to President Donald Trump. He wrote, “Natalie, I think he’s had a little too much iPad for the week. He needs his rest,” referencing Trump’s criticism of El‑Sayed for campaigning with far‑left commentator Hasan Piker.
GOP strategist Matt Whitlock shared screenshots of the two posts, calling the campaign “bad” and “a bad candidate with bad instincts.” Former Michigan gubernatorial candidate Tudor Dixon warned, “He goes after Usha. He goes after Natalie. This coward picks on women who are not in his fight. Imagine how he would treat female staffers in the halls of Congress.”
Responses from the Vance office
Fox News Digital reached out to the vice president’s office and to a representative for Usha Vance but did not receive an immediate response.
Campaign context
El‑Sayed is running against former Republican congressman Mike Rogers in the race to succeed retiring Senator Debbie Stabenow. The campaign has become increasingly contentious, with both sides trading attacks over policy positions and personal conduct. Democrats supporting Rogers have highlighted the recent posts as evidence of “sexist and misogynistic” behavior, urging voters to reject El‑Sayed.
While the controversy centers on the tone of El‑Sayed’s social‑media remarks, the broader race continues to focus on issues such as the economy, health care, and the role of government in Michigan. Voters will decide in the November election whether the state’s Senate seat will remain with a Democrat or shift to Republican control.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
