Progressive Democrat Abdul El-Sayed has won Michigan’s Senate race, defeating Republican candidate and former congressman Mike Rogers in a major victory for the Democratic Party.
According to The Associated Press, El-Sayed’s victory allows Democrats to retain control of the crucial battleground seat previously held by retiring Senator Gary Peters.
The 42-year-old will become the first Muslim senator in the history of the United States when he is sworn into office in January 2027.
El-Sayed defeated Rogers in one of the country’s most bitter and expensive Senate contests, which was heavily influenced by debates over Israel and US foreign policy.
The Michigan Democrat faced opposition from Republicans and some members of his own party during the campaign.
In the final days before the election, Representative Haley Stevens, a moderate Democrat whom El-Sayed defeated in the party’s primary, withdrew her support for him and endorsed Rogers.
Stevens’ decision followed growing criticism of El-Sayed over his outspoken criticism of Israel, a position that alienated some moderate Democrats and Jewish voters.
However, her endorsement of the Republican candidate drew widespread condemnation within the Democratic Party.
Despite the late intervention, El-Sayed secured the victory, delivering a significant result for Democrats in the closely watched Michigan contest.
His election marks a historic moment for Muslim representation in American politics and strengthens the Democratic Party’s position in the Senate.
