Abdul El-Sayed used his victory speech in Michigan to mock defeated Senate opponent Mike Rogers and taunt Vice-President JD Vance after the closely fought race was called in his favour.
The senator-elect addressed supporters at a rally early on Wednesday morning, turning first to Mr Rogers, who has not delivered a concession speech.
Wishing Mr Rogers well in retirement in Florida, Mr El-Sayed referred to his opponent’s large house and two yachts, saying he could focus on them instead.
“You chose hate, and Michigan chose hope. May we never have to see the likes of you again,” he said.
Mr El-Sayed then highlighted what he described as the irony of Mr Vance, one of his most vocal critics, being constitutionally required to swear him into the Senate in January.
“JD, habibi, there is this delicious irony in the fact that you’re constitutionally obligated to swear me in in January,” he said.
He also played on the rivalry between Michigan and Ohio, declaring the score to be “Wolverines 1 — Buckeyes 0”. Mr El-Sayed attended the University of Michigan, while Mr Vance attended The Ohio State University.
Media reports put Mr El-Sayed’s winning margin at about seven points in a contest experts had expected to be close. He will have to work with Republicans to pass legislation during his six-year term.
