Democrat Abdul El-Sayed has won Michigan’s US Senate race, becoming the first Muslim ever elected to the upper chamber of the United States Congress. US networks projected his victory over former Republican congressman Mike Rogers early on Wednesday, giving Democrats a key seat previously held by retiring Senator Gary Peters.
El-Sayed, a 42-year-old medical administrator, led Rogers by nearly six percentage points when the race was called. Speaking to hundreds of supporters in Detroit, he declared: “Michigan, we did it!” and described himself as proud and honoured to serve as the state’s senator-elect
His campaign centred on expanding access to health care, including a promise to pursue universal health coverage. He argued that Americans should be able to see a doctor without facing overwhelming medical bills and pledged to challenge what he called the country’s costly, for-profit health system.iol.co
El-Sayed also campaigned on reducing the influence of money in politics and addressing economic pressures facing working families. His message appeared to resonate with voters seeking change from the political establishment, and he drew large crowds across Michigan, including in areas that lean strongly Republican.iol.co
The victory makes him the first Democratic physician in the Senate since 1969. It also represents a historic milestone for Muslim Americans, who have long been underrepresented in the Senate despite their growing political influence.iol.co
The campaign was contentious. Republicans sought to portray Democrats as extremists and targeted El-Sayed with attacks that supporters described as Islamophobic, including mockery of his Arabic name by President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance.
El-Sayed also faced a late complication after Congresswoman Haley Stevens, whom he defeated in the Democratic primary, publicly backed Rogers shortly before election day. Despite that setback, his campaign’s grassroots organisation and support from unions and progressive activists helped him maintain momentum.
At his victory party, supporters celebrated the result as evidence of increased political engagement among younger voters and a broader coalition of labour, progressive, and community groups. “We were always out, but we were never outworked,” said Detroit entrepreneur Trunetta Roach, one of the attendees.
In his victory speech, El-Sayed addressed the vice president directly, saying that Vance would be “constitutionally obligated” to swear him into office in January. The remark underscored the significance of his win after a race marked by personal and political attacks.