Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed has challenged Vice President JD Vance to a weightlifting competition, questioning whether Vance’s beard is real and suggesting the vice president may be using testosterone replacement therapy (TRT).
“If he thinks that my beard is somehow indicative of my strength, I’m happy to invite him to any weight room in any place,” El-Sayed said. “We can do it in DC and let’s see. I’d love to see him on a bench. I’d love to see him on a squat. I’d love to understand if he’s as strong as he likes to pretend he is.”
El-Sayed, a University of Michigan graduate, also brought up Vance’s alma mater, Ohio State University. “JD, listen, man, you talk a good game. You went to Ohio State, didn’t even know how to handle the trophy when you had to pick it up. And now you’re on what? Like juiced up on [testosterone replacement therapy]. I’m all natural, bro,” he said. “I’d like to understand what your dose is, and I’d like to understand if your beard’s actually real.”
Vance had reportedly remarked on El-Sayed’s beard being “patchy,” a comment that El-Sayed’s supporters and critics say prompted this latest exchange.
This is not the first time El-Sayed has framed a political rivalry around a physical challenge. He previously challenged his Republican opponent for Michigan’s open Senate seat, Mike Rogers, to a football competition.
Separately, a video circulated online purportedly showing El-Sayed in May describing an incident in which he smashed a bottle of vodka and damaged a store owner’s property after being told his beard was too short.
Fox News host Aishah Hasnie responded to the beard exchange on social media, writing, “I thought he wanted to talk about gas prices and groceries.” She added, “I don’t know how much J.D. can bench, but unlike Abdul El-Sayed, I do know J.D. has never had to ask for help getting something off the top shelf at the grocery store.”
El-Sayed is running for the U.S. Senate seat in Michigan in the 2026 midterm elections.
