President Donald Trump criticized Democratic Michigan Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed during a rally in Dubuque, Iowa, on Sunday evening.

Trump repeatedly called El-Sayed a "jihadist" and a "jihadist lunatic" while addressing supporters. He stated that if elected, El-Sayed would require a special metal detector before entering the Senate chamber.

"If you vote for this jihadist lunatic that wants to destroy you, you're crazy," Trump said, according to reports from the event.

The remarks came as Trump campaigned for Republican candidates ahead of Tuesday's midterm elections. The Michigan Senate race between El-Sayed and Republican Mike Rogers remains tight and could determine control of the chamber.

Trump contrasted El-Sayed with Rogers, whom he described as "apple pie" and the kind of candidate the country needs. He also praised former Democratic Rep. Haley Stevens for endorsing Rogers earlier in the day.

El-Sayed, a practicing Muslim born in the United States, has denied any ties to extremist groups. Trump has made similar comments about the candidate at previous rallies in Michigan and other states.

The Dubuque event focused on boosting turnout for Iowa Republicans in the midterms, with Trump noting his busy schedule of rallies across the country.