Lisa McClain

Rep. Lisa McClain, R-Mich., criticized Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed's attempts to downplay his ties to left-wing streamer Hasan Piker, calling his explanation "quite comical" during an appearance on Fox Business' "Varney & Co." El-Sayed has faced repeated questioning from reporters and opponents about his relationship with Piker as the Democratic primary contest heats up.

McClain also discussed Republican efforts to gain ground in Michigan ahead of the state's Senate race, including Vice President JD Vance's visit to campaign for local GOP candidates. The exchange underscores how the open Senate seat has become a flashpoint, with Republicans looking to tie Democratic contenders to controversial online figures while touting their own campaign momentum in a state seen as competitive heading into the next election cycle.

Vice President JD Vance rallied for Michigan Republicans at a Sterling Heights event Monday, sharply attacking Democratic U.S. Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed over past comments referencing second lady Usha Vance, telling him to keep his wife's name "out of your mouth." Vance also criticized El-Sayed's initial response to an attack at Temple Israel, remarks the Democrat later apologized for, and accused a campaign surrogate of past comments sympathetic to the Sept. 11 attacks. El-Sayed has rejected efforts to tie him to terrorism and is focusing his campaign on affordability and health care.

Vance urged voters to back Senate candidate Mike Rogers, along with gubernatorial nominee John James and other Michigan Republicans, ahead of the Nov. 3 election. He also promoted stricter federal requirements for commercial truck drivers tied to immigration status and English proficiency, and criticized the University of Michigan's out-of-state enrollment. Democrats, including Jocelyn Benson, countered by attacking the administration's tariffs on Canada as harmful to Michigan workers.