Abdul El-Sayed makes history as first Muslim US senator

Democrat Abdul El-Sayed has won Michigan’s closely contested Senate election, defeating Republican candidate and former congressman Mike Rogers, according to NBC News projections.

The 42-year-old epidemiologist and former public health official has made history by becoming the first Muslim elected to the US Senate.

El-Sayed’s victory marks a significant gain for Democrats in Michigan. He will succeed retiring Democratic Senator Gary Peters, extending the party’s long-standing hold on the state’s Senate seats. Republicans have not won a Senate election in Michigan since 1994.

The contest attracted national attention because of the candidates’ sharply contrasting political positions and the intense campaigning surrounding the race. El-Sayed, who is aligned with the Democratic Party’s progressive wing, received support from prominent figures, including Senator Bernie Sanders and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

His campaign also faced controversy over his criticism of the Israeli government and his Muslim faith. President Donald Trump and Republican allies repeatedly targeted his religious background and questioned his political associations. El-Sayed rejected allegations linking him to the Muslim Brotherhood.

Republican candidate Rogers also faced challenges over his association with Trump’s policies, particularly the administration’s approach to tariffs and the war in Iran. He attempted to distance himself from some of the president’s positions during the closing stages of the campaign.

El-Sayed built his campaign around tackling political money, improving household finances and expanding healthcare access through his Medicare for All proposal.

Despite a last-minute endorsement of Rogers by former Democratic primary rival Haley Stevens, El-Sayed secured the projected victory in one of the country’s most closely watched Senate contests.