WorldPosted at: Nov 4 2026 4:17PM


Abdul El-Sayed wins Michigan Senate race, become first Muslim American senator

Washington, Nov 4 (UNI) Egyptian-American Democrat and former public health official Abdul El-Sayed made history on Wednesday, becoming the first Muslim American elected to the US Senate after defeating Republican Mike Rogers in Michigan's Senate race. His victory also marks him as the first Democratic physician to serve in the Senate since 1969.
El-Sayed, a physician who previously led the health departments in Detroit and Wayne County, celebrated his historic victory, declaring: "Michigan, we did it! I am so proud and honoured to stand here as your senator-elect from the great state of Michigan."
Son of Egyptian immigrants, El-Sayed, who has never held elected office, secured a seat in the US Senate after suffering a double-digit defeat in Michigan's Democratic gubernatorial primary in 2018. The outcome marks a significant milestone for Muslim American representation in the US Congress, delivering a victory for Democrats in Michigan, a battleground state narrowly won by Trump in the 2024 presidential election.
His victory in Michigan has come despite a last-minute setback when Congresswoman Haley Stevens, whom he defeated in the Democratic primary, came out in support of Rogers just hours before the election. Stevens support for the Republican triggered sharp criticism from fellow Democrats, prompting several of her staff to resign. Stevens defended her decision by citing what she described as hate and El-Sayed's association with left-wing political streamer Hasan Piker. She had previously criticised Rogers, calling him a "rubber stamp" for Trump's "dangerous agenda".
El-Sayed dismissed Stevens's endorsement and reportedly raised USD 1.2 million within four hours of the announcement, according to media reports. El-Sayed's campaign focused on healthcare and the rising cost of living while also navigating controversy surrounding his Muslim faith and the debate over Israel's war in Gaza.
Rogers, who narrowly lost the 2024 Senate election to Democrat Elissa Slotkin despite Trump carrying Michigan, sought to portray El-Sayed as an extremist during the campaign. The Democrat also faced allegations of links to the Muslim Brotherhood, an Islamist organisation, which he strongly denied.
Trump and Vice President JD Vance visited Michigan in the final days of the campaign as Republicans sought to consolidate support in the battleground state.
Trump repeatedly targeted El-Sayed over his Muslim identity, calling him a "violent terrorist" and referring to him by his middle name, Mohamed. Rogers, however, declined to endorse Trump's characterisation.
Responding to Trump's remarks, El-Sayed said, "I don't care how he pronounces my name. I don't even care that he remembers my whole name. Because he can just go on and call me 'senator' after November. I will be Senator Mohamed to you, bro."
El-Sayed also sought to distance his campaign from Piker following criticism over their association.
Meanwhile, his campaign received endorsements from former president Barack Obama, former vice president Kamala Harris and several other prominent Democratic leaders.
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