MICHIGAN: Democratic candidate Abdul El-Sayed has won Michigan’s US Senate race, defeating Republican candidate Mike Rogers and becoming the first Muslim American elected to the US Senate.
El-Sayed’s victory marks a historic milestone in American politics. The Associated Press projected his win over Rogers, a former congressman who had received President Donald Trump’s backing.
Speaking after his victory, El-Sayed thanked voters and dedicated his success to the people of Michigan. He said he had continued his campaign despite allegations and criticism directed at him, adding that significant resources had been spent in an effort to defeat him, but Michigan had chosen hope.
He also criticised the use of his name and religion as political issues during the campaign, saying his focus would remain on advancing his policy agenda and working for a better future for American workers and the public.
Addressing Trump, El-Sayed said that if the president had difficulty pronouncing his name, he could simply address him as “Senator” in the future.
Several other Muslim candidates also contested various races in the 2026 US midterm elections.