Abdul El‑Sayed wins Michigan Senate race — first Muslim elected to U.S. Senate
El‑Sayed defeated Republican Mike Rogers and will take the Senate seat in January 2027, marking a historic first for Muslim Americans.
Democrat Abdul El‑Sayed has won the U.S. Senate seat in Michigan, becoming the first Muslim ever elected to the United States Senate, according to media projections on November 4, 2026.
El‑Sayed, 42, is a physician and former public‑health official who defeated Republican Mike Rogers, a former congressman and ex‑FBI agent who had the backing of President Donald Trump. The victory keeps the Michigan Senate seat in Democratic hands after Gary Peters decided not to seek re‑election.
What he ran on
During the campaign El‑Sayed emphasized reducing living costs, expanding access to health care and curbing corporate influence over politics. He has advocated for government‑funded universal coverage under the program "Medicare for All." Supporters view his win as a boost for the progressive wing of the Democratic Party.
The race featured heated exchanges and attacks in which Rogers alleged ties between El‑Sayed and the Muslim Brotherhood — claims El‑Sayed rejected and for which no evidence was produced. Democrats denounced those lines of attack as islamophobic.
Born in Michigan to a family of Egyptian origin, El‑Sayed previously worked in public health, including serving as director of the Detroit health department. He is slated to take office in January 2027 when the new Congress convenes.
Photo: press material from the event
