Abdul El-Sayed wins Michigan Senate race, becomes first Muslim senator

bbc.co.uk —

Left-wing Democrat Abdul El-Sayed won Michigan’s Senate race, defeating Republican Mike Rogers to become the first Muslim senator in US history. His victory marks a historic milestone amid a contentious campaign. El-Sayed, a former public health administrator, ran on universal health care and a wealth tax, while Rogers, backed by President Donald Trump, attacked him as a communist and tied him to terrorism. The race was also marked by a Democratic primary rival endorsing Rogers days before the election. The win is seen as a test of left-wing influence in a battleground state, coming amid rising Islamophobia nationwide. El-Sayed, son of Egyptian immigrants, campaigned on ending US aid to Israel over Gaza, a resonant issue in Michigan’s large Arab-American community.


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