Abdul El-Sayed has made history as the first Muslim elected to the United States Senate after defeating Republican candidate and former Congressman, Mike Rogers in Michigan’s closely contested 2026 midterm election.
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Key Highlights
- Democrat Abdul El-Sayed defeated Republican Mike Rogers in Michigan’s 2026 Senate race.
- He becomes the first Muslim elected to the US Senate and is expected to take office in January 2027.
- The win keeps the seat of retiring Senator Gary Peters in Democratic hands.
- President Trump called him a “jihadist”; El-Sayed has disavowed the Muslim Brotherhood.
- About $278 million was spent on ads, making it Michigan’s most expensive Senate race, according to AdImpact.
El-Sayed’s victory, confirmed by The Associated Press and reported by The New York Times, also gives the Democratic Party a crucial win in Michigan, allowing it to retain control of the Senate seat currently held by retiring Senator Gary Peters.
The 42-year-old progressive Democrat is expected to assume office in January 2027, becoming the first Muslim to serve in the US Senate.
His victory came after one of the country’s most expensive and contentious Senate campaigns, which attracted national attention because of disagreements over foreign policy, particularly the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, healthcare and President Donald Trump’s administration.
A divisive campaign
During the campaign, El-Sayed faced opposition from Republicans and divisions within his own party, particularly over his criticism of Israel and calls for the United States to end military assistance to the country.
His Democratic primary opponent, Representative Haley Stevens, withdrew her support shortly before election day and publicly endorsed Rogers, a move that generated criticism among several Democratic figures and supporters.
Rogers also faced criticism during the campaign for questioning El-Sayed’s loyalty to the United States and making allegations about his political and religious associations.
El-Sayed has disavowed the Muslim Brotherhood, which Rogers referenced during televised debates.
President Trump also attacked El-Sayed during a campaign rally in Michigan, describing him as a “jihadist” and making similar remarks in social media posts.
Despite the controversies, El-Sayed maintained his campaign against Rogers, linking the Republican candidate to Trump’s economic and foreign policies, including tariffs and the war involving Iran, which he argued had contributed to rising living costs.
Obama, Sanders, Ocasio-Cortez backed his bid
Running on a platform centred on reducing the influence of money in politics, improving household finances and expanding healthcare access, El-Sayed secured support from prominent Democratic figures.
Former President Barack Obama campaigned for him at a rally in Detroit, while Democratic Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Bernie Sanders also joined efforts to mobilise voters in his support.
The contest attracted approximately $278 million in television and digital advertising expenditure, making it the most expensive Senate race in Michigan’s history, according to media tracking firm AdImpact.
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El-Sayed’s victory is also significant for the Democratic Party’s broader political strategy, as the party seeks to consolidate its influence in Congress and shape policy debates ahead of the 2028 presidential election.
He has indicated plans to play an active role in discussions on healthcare, US foreign policy and the future direction of the Democratic Party when he takes his seat in the Senate.
His election marks a historic milestone for Muslim representation in American national politics, while adding a new dimension to the changing political landscape following the 2026 midterm elections.
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