MONROE, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Vice President JD Vance spoke in Monroe on Thursday, just hours before the second and final gubernatorial debate between Democrat Jocelyn Benson and Republican John James.

But Michigan’s U.S. Senate race took center stage in his remarks.

Vance takes aim at El-Sayed

Vance criticized Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, accusing him of being ungrateful for the opportunities he received growing up in America.

MORE NEWS: Consumers Energy Gets Another Rate Hike as $456 Million Electric Increase Looms

“He had every opportunity to love the place where he grew up,” Vance said, accusing El-Sayed of embracing “the politics of grievance.”

El-Sayed faces Republican Mike Rogers in a closely watched race that could help determine control of the U.S. Senate. Vance portrayed the contest as a choice between traditional American values and the politics of the Democratic Party’s left wing.

“For years normal people in this nation have watched the far-left rally around causes that were fundamentally about destroying our foundations, destroying our basic identity as a nation,” Vance said, pointing to phrases such as “defund the police,” “abolish whiteness” and “stolen land.”

Vance argued that Americans can no longer dismiss those ideas as fringe sentiments, saying they have spread into corporate diversity, equity and inclusion offices, city council meetings and children’s homework assignments.

“And now, my friends, we are seeing it on the ballot in the great state of Michigan,” he said.

Michigan visit includes CBS town hall

MORE NEWS: ‘Get the Flock Out’: Tlaib Wants to Ground Police Surveillance While Big Brother Keeps Watching

Vance also participated Thursday in a Michigan town hall moderated by “CBS Evening News” anchor Tony Dokoupil. The one-hour special will air Saturday, Oct. 17, at 8 p.m. Eastern on CBS and stream on Paramount+.

Vance previously visited Michigan on Aug. 31, when he spoke at a Republican event in Sterling Heights.

The vice president has been campaigning for Republicans ahead of the Nov. 3 midterm elections, when the party’s control of both the U.S. House and Senate will be at stake.

Trump carried Michigan in 2024, winning its 15 electoral votes.

Early voting begins Oct. 24 statewide

Michigan voters are already returning absentee ballots.

The statewide early in-person voting period begins Saturday, Oct. 24, and runs through Sunday, Nov. 1. Some communities may offer additional days.

Voters can find their early voting locations and hours through the Michigan Voter Information Center.