Abdul El-Sayed used his Michigan Senate victory speech to deliver pointed messages to two Republicans. The senator-elect took aim at his opponent, Mike Rogers, before turning to Vice President JD Vance. His remarks came after a closely contested race that ended in his favor. El-Sayed also brought up the longstanding rivalry between Michigan and Ohio.
The senator-elect jokes about Vance swearing him into office
According to TMZ, El-Sayed addressed supporters early Wednesday, November 4, after media outlets called the race in his favor.
He first addressed Rogers, wishing him well in retirement in Florida. El-Sayed joked that his opponent could enjoy his large Florida home and two yachts.
He then delivered a pointed message: “You chose hate, and Michigan chose hope. May we never have to see the likes of you again.”
El-Sayed also addressed Vance, who had criticized him during the campaign. He joked about the vice president’s role in administering the oath of office to newly elected senators.
“JD, habibi, there is this delicious irony in the fact that you’re constitutionally obligated to swear me in in January,” El-Sayed said.
The senator-elect then referenced the rivalry between the University of Michigan and Ohio State University. El-Sayed attended Michigan, while Vance studied at Ohio State.
“Wolverines 1 — Buckeyes 0,” he declared, using the schools’ football rivalry to celebrate his political victory.
Media reports initially placed El-Sayed approximately seven percentage points ahead of Rogers after a race that analysts had expected to be close.
El-Sayed will take office in January 2027. His victory speech highlighted the political tensions surrounding the election and his willingness to confront critics as he prepares to enter the Senate.
