Vice President JD Vance labeled Michigan Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed a "little weasel who should shut his mouth and show a little gratitude to the country that gave him everything" during a rally Thursday in Monroe. Vance made the remarks while campaigning for Republican nominee Mike Rogers in the closely watched race for the U.S. Senate seat.

The vice president framed the contest as a choice between grievance and gratitude. He accused El-Sayed of resenting American history and heritage, suggesting the Democrat views traditional symbols and values as overly white or American. Vance told supporters that Michigan voters deserve better representation.

The exchange continues a months-long feud between the two men. Earlier this year, Vance criticized El-Sayed's past statements linking efforts to restrict Sharia law to white supremacy. El-Sayed responded by mocking Vance's reference to his late grandfather, or "Papaw," and invoking Second Lady Usha Vance's Indian background. Vance previously warned El-Sayed to keep his wife's name out of such discussions.

Vance has described El-Sayed as "very, very evil" and accused him of prioritizing one religious or ethnic group over the broader national interest. El-Sayed, a former public health official and critic of Pro-Israel policies, has countered that Vance and the Trump administration pursue divisive and harmful policies on healthcare and foreign affairs. El-Sayed later responded to the "weasel" comment by calling himself a wolverine.

The Michigan Senate race ranks among the most competitive in the 2026 midterms, with control of the chamber at stake. Rogers, a former congressman, received Vance's endorsement as the stronger candidate to represent the state's interests.

Vance emphasized the importance of the November 3 election to Michigan voters in his speech on Thursday, calling it central to the broader political battle in the state and the country.