Democrat Abdul El-Sayed has become the first Muslim elected to the United States (US) Senate after defeating former Republican representative Mike Rogers in Michigan’s closely watched election.
El-Sayed, a medical doctor and former public health official, secured the Democratic nomination in a competitive primary before contesting the seat left vacant by retiring Senator Gary Peters.
His victory followed a campaign in which his Muslim faith became a major issue, with President Donald Trump and other Republicans repeatedly targeting his religious background. El-Sayed rejected allegations linking him to extremism.
The result also marks a significant Democratic victory in Michigan, a state Trump narrowly won in the 2024 presidential election. El-Sayed will become the first Muslim senator when the new Congress convenes in January.
El-Sayed celebrated his projected victory at an election-night gathering in Detroit early Wednesday, thanking supporters and taking aim at Trump and Vice President (VP) JD Vance.
Addressing supporters, he pledged to bring the same determination and openness to the Senate that he said Michigan voters had shown during his campaign.
“Michigan, I cannot wait to serve you with the same big-heartedness, open-mindedness, grit, and earnestness that you’ve shown me,” El-Sayed told the gathering.
He urged supporters to see the result as a collective victory and a rejection of his political opponents.
“Let them know tomorrow that the bad guys lost,” he said.
“Let them know that we, together, are fighting for something bigger, we won. We won! So Mike, enjoy your retirement.”
Addressing Trump, he referred to the president’s difficulties pronouncing his name during campaign rallies.
“Donald, look, I know you struggled with my name,” El-Sayed said. “So after JD swears me in in January, you can just go on and call me senator.”
El-Sayed also celebrated his victory by using “Inshallah, ” meaning God willing, and “Alhamdulillah”, meaning praise be to God.
