Abdul El-Sayed Wins Michigan Senate Race, Becomes First Muslim Senator
Democrat Abdul El-Sayed defeated Republican Mike Rogers in Michigan's Senate race, becoming the first Muslim elected to the US Senate and delivering a sharp rebuke to Vice President JD Vance and President Donald Trump in his victory speech. El-Sayed highlighted the irony that Vance is constitutionally obligated to swear him into office in January, responding to Vance's campaign attacks that linked him to violent protests and accused him of extremism. El-Sayed also addressed Trump's mockery of his name, suggesting Trump call him "senator" instead. The victory keeps the Michigan seat in Democratic hands and comes amid a broader Democratic sweep of the 2026 midterms, with Republicans losing control of Congress. El-Sayed, a physician and former county health director, campaigned on healthcare affordability and ending US military assistance to Israel.