Abdul El-Sayed Wins Michigan Senate Race as First Muslim Senator

Democrat Abdul El-Sayed won the Michigan U.S. Senate race on November 3, 2026, defeating Republican Mike Rogers to become the first Muslim elected to the U.S. Senate. A former public health official, El-Sayed ran on a progressive platform featuring Medicare for All, higher taxes on billionaires, and the abolition of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. His victory contributed to a broader Democratic wave that seized control of both the House and Senate.

The campaign was marked by intense personal attacks and internal party friction. President Donald Trump repeatedly labeled El-Sayed a "jihadist" and a "lunatic," while the American Israel Public Affairs Committee spent over $30 million opposing his candidacy. Within the Democratic Party, Representative Haley Stevens, whom El-Sayed defeated in the August primary, endorsed Rogers, claiming El-Sayed was not "fit to serve."

Despite these challenges and underperformance among some Jewish voters, El-Sayed secured strong support in Detroit and Dearborn. In a combative victory speech, he mocked Trump and Vice President JD Vance, noting the "delicious irony" that Vance is constitutionally obligated to swear him into office in January. Following his win, El-Sayed expressed support for President Trump's plan to cut $4 billion in annual military aid to Israel, though he called for a total end to all weaponry sales to the country, citing concerns over "genocide and apartheid."