Democrat Abdul El-Sayed Wins Michigan Senate Race, Makes History as First Muslim Senator
His win preserves Democratic control of the seat after a race marked by heavy outside spending and attacks over his faith and Israel views.
- On Wednesday, November 4, 2026, Democrat Abdul El-Sayed defeated Republican Mike Rogers in Michigan's U.S. Senate race, becoming the first Muslim American elected to the U.S. Senate.
- The 42-year-old epidemiologist ran on a progressive platform including "Medicare for All" after emerging from a contentious primary against Representative Haley Stevens that drew nearly $60 million in outside spending.
- Amid Islamophobic attacks from President Donald Trump, who repeatedly called El-Sayed a "dangerous jihadist," Stevens defected two days before the election to endorse Rogers, citing disagreements over his criticism of Israel.
- Speaking to supporters in Detroit early Wednesday, El-Sayed told the crowd, "You took a chance on the unlikeliest of candidates." The victory extends a GOP drought for the seat dating to 1994.
- As one of the youngest members of the Senate Democratic caucus, El-Sayed will prioritize healthcare reform and ending military aid to Israel during his six-year term, positioning progressives to shape party policy.
675 Articles
675 Articles
El-Sayed tells AP Michigan rejected ‘hateful, spiteful campaign’ after months of Republican attacks – WTOP News
WASHINGTON (AP) — Sen.-elect Abdul El-Sayed told The Associated Press on Wednesday that Michigan voters had rejected “a hateful, spiteful campaign” after months of Republican attacks on his Muslim identity in one of the nation’s most closely watched Senate races. El-Sayed said he was “running on adrenaline and caffeine” after his race with Republican Mike...
El-Sayed tells AP Michigan rejected ‘hateful, spiteful campaign’ after months of Republican attacks
Michigan Sen.-elect Abdul El-Sayed tells The Associated Press that voters have rejected a “hateful, spiteful campaign” after months of Republican attacks on his Muslim identity.
The victory of Democrat Abdul Sayed in the seat of Michigan in the United States Senate is an unprecedented milestone in the history of the political representation of Muslims in the United States. He became the first Muslim elected to the Council, having overcome his Republican rival Mike Rogers in the midterm elections.
Senator-elect El-Sayed says US tax dollars should not fund Israel’s ‘genocidal war’
Progressive Democrat Abdul El-Sayed won a highly coveted Michigan Senate seat on Wednesday, and will become the first Muslim to serve in the upper chamber of Congress in January.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 35% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
