Abdul El-Sayed becomes first Muslim elected to US Senate after defeating Trump-backed rival

Abdul El-Sayed, a Democrat, won over 52% of the vote on November 4 to become the first Muslim elected to the U.S. Senate, defeating Republican Mike Rogers in Michigan despite President Donald Trump labeling him a "jihadist." The 42-year-old physician and epidemiologist, son of Egyptian immigrants, faced accusations during the campaign regarding his mother's past ties to the Muslim Brotherhood. Vice President JD Vance also criticized him, prompting El-Sayed to note the irony that Vance would administer his Senate oath. El-Sayed previously lost a 2018 gubernatorial bid and defeated fellow Democrat Haley Stevens in the August 2026 primary. He attributed his victory to focusing on everyday needs, countering religious attacks, and a Democratic wave in the midterm elections.