Abdul El-Sayed defeats Mike Rogers in Michigan Senate race

Abdul El-Sayed won Michigan's open Senate race, defeating Republican Mike Rogers and becoming the first Muslim elected to the US Senate. His victory marks a major test passed for the Democratic Party's progressive left in a key swing state. El-Sayed, backed by Senator Bernie Sanders, overcame a bitter primary against establishment favorite Haley Stevens, who was supported by over $30 million in AIPAC spending. He also faced Islamophobic attacks from President Trump and a last-minute endorsement of Rogers by Stevens, who cited concerns over antisemitism. His platform includes Medicare-for-all, abolishing ICE, and a full arms embargo on Israel. The win positions El-Sayed as a leading progressive figure and a potential successor to the 85-year-old Sanders, though critics note his margin was aided by a nationwide Democratic wave.