Abdul El-Sayed becomes first Muslim elected to US Senate
Democrat Abdul El-Sayed has won Michigan’s US Senate race, becoming the first Muslim elected to the United States Senate in American history.
The Associated Press called the race for El-Sayed on Wednesday, November 4, confirming his victory over Republican Mike Rogers.
The closely watched contest was for the seat held by retiring Democratic Senator Gary Peters.
Historic first for Muslim Americans
El-Sayed’s victory marks a historic milestone for Muslim representation in US politics.
Several Muslim politicians have previously served in the US House of Representatives, but none had been elected to the Senate before El-Sayed.
Before the election, the Associated Press and other major US outlets had identified him as potentially becoming the country’s first Muslim senator if he won Michigan.
El-Sayed defeats Mike Rogers
El-Sayed defeated Republican Mike Rogers, a former congressman and former FBI agent who had the backing of President Donald Trump.
The Michigan race was among the most closely watched contests of the 2026 US midterm elections and was considered important in determining control of the Senate.
El-Sayed had campaigned heavily on cost-of-living issues, healthcare and economic policy, while also facing intense scrutiny throughout the campaign over his Muslim faith and views on US foreign policy.
From public health to the US Senate
El-Sayed is a physician and former public health official who previously served as Detroit’s health director.
He first gained national political attention during his 2018 campaign for governor of Michigan and returned to electoral politics in 2026.
In August, he defeated US Representative Haley Stevens in the Democratic Senate primary, becoming the first Muslim nominated by the Democratic Party for a US Senate seat.
His general election victory now makes him the first Muslim senator in US history.
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