A Rolling Stone opinion article describes the 2026 US midterm campaign as one of the most racist in a generation. The writer argues that Republicans are turning to racial rhetoric rather than offering answers to economic concerns.
The article cites Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s remarks about Arabs, science, literature and major awards. The writer characterizes them as a barely veiled attack on Abdul El-Sayed, a Michigan Senate candidate.
El-Sayed is Muslim and is running as a Democrat. According to the article, Donald Trump has called him a “jihadist,” repeated a claim that he belongs to the Muslim Brotherhood, and mocked his name.
At a rally in Port Huron, Trump said a victory by El-Sayed and Democrats would open the way for “jihadi” arrivals and bring violence and terror. He also said El-Sayed would have to pass through a metal detector before entering the Senate.
Vice President JD Vance accused El-Sayed of “anti-white” racial hatred and said he should not be elected. The writer places the attacks in the context of a long history of racist rhetoric in Republican politics.
The article also mentions Texas Railroad Commissioner candidate Bo French, who doubled down on a racist post about Indian-American students, and billionaire Elon Musk, who has posted about race and funded ads attacking Democratic candidates. The writer says the campaign is urging voters to hate their neighbors because of who they are.
