Democrat Abdul El-Sayed has won Michigan’s closely watched US Senate race, defeating Republican Mike Rogers and becoming the first Muslim elected to the United States Senate, according to media projections and the Associated Press race call.
El-Sayed, 42, is a former public health official who secured the seat previously held by retiring Democratic Senator Gary Peters. His victory denied Republicans an opportunity to capture the Michigan seat as both parties competed for control of Congress in the 2026 midterm elections.
Celebrating his victory early Wednesday at his election headquarters in Detroit, El-Sayed told supporters: “Michigan, we did it!”
“I am so proud and honored to stand here as your senator-elect from the great state of Michigan,” he said.
Historic Milestone for Muslim Representation
El-Sayed’s victory marks a significant moment for Muslim representation in American politics and gives the Democratic Party’s progressive wing a new voice in the Senate.
His Republican opponent, Mike Rogers, 63, is a former congressman and FBI agent who received strong backing from President Donald Trump and national Republican leaders.
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Throughout his campaign, El-Sayed focused on the rising cost of living, affordable healthcare and reducing the influence of wealthy corporations in American politics.
His policy agenda included Medicare for All, a government-funded healthcare system intended to provide coverage regardless of income.
He also pledged to help families struggling with medical expenses and called for reforms to the country’s profit-driven healthcare system.
“You deserve to be able to see a doctor without getting a huge bill,” he told Michigan voters before Election Day.
Campaign Focuses on Healthcare and Cost of Living
El-Sayed also promised to reduce the role of corporate money in politics and address the financial pressures facing working families.
His campaign attracted large crowds across Michigan, including in traditionally Republican areas, as he appealed to voters seeking changes in Washington.
The contest became increasingly contentious as Republicans questioned his political views and religious background, portraying him as too far to the left for Michigan voters.
Rogers and other Republicans also sought to associate El-Sayed with the Muslim Brotherhood and Islamic extremism. El-Sayed rejected the accusations, and the alleged organisational ties were not supported by evidence.
Democratic officials criticised the attacks, describing them as Islamophobic.
Israel Policy Becomes a Major Campaign Issue
Rogers also sought to attract Jewish voters concerned about El-Sayed’s opposition to US military aid for Israel and his description of Israel’s actions in Gaza as genocide.
The Republican candidate, however, faced challenges over economic concerns and public dissatisfaction with Trump’s administration.
During the final weeks of the campaign, Rogers also broke with the president over the war in Iran and the trade dispute between the United States and Canada, arguing that both issues needed to be resolved to ease pressure on businesses and consumers.
El-Sayed’s victory came despite a late political setback when Democratic Representative Haley Stevens, who had lost the party’s primary to him, endorsed Rogers shortly before Election Day.
Michigan Result Carries National Significance
The Michigan race was closely watched because of its potential impact on the balance of power in the US Senate.
Republicans entered the midterm elections with a 53-47 majority, while Democrats needed a net gain of four seats to take control of the chamber.
By retaining the Michigan seat, Democrats denied Republicans an opportunity to expand their majority and strengthened their position in the contest for Senate control.
El-Sayed is expected to take office in January, bringing his progressive policy agenda and focus on healthcare affordability, corporate influence and the cost of living to the Senate.
His election marks a historic development in US political representation and a significant victory for Democrats in Michigan.
