Abdul El-Sayed declared victory in Michigan’s open US Senate race early on Wednesday. Media projections confirmed the Democrat defeated Republican Mike Rogers in the closely watched midterm contest.
El-Sayed, a 42-year-old physician and former public health official, will become the first Muslim elected to the United States Senate. He will succeed retiring Democratic Senator Gary Peters and keep the seat in Democratic hands.
El-Sayed addressed supporters in Detroit and expressed deep gratitude. “My name is Abdulrahman Mohamed El-Sayed, and I am so proud and honoured to stand here as your senator-elect from the great state of Michigan,” he said.
He then reflected on his campaign language. “Up until right about now, you might have noticed I always say Inshallah or God willing whenever the outcome of this race was mentioned. But today, tonight, we can turn that Inshallah into Alhamdulillah.”
El-Sayed previously served as executive director of the Detroit Health Department and later as director of the Wayne County Department of Health, Human and Veterans Services. Throughout the race he stressed lowering costs for working families and reducing corporate influence in politics. His platform included support for Medicare for All.
Rogers, a former congressman and FBI agent, received strong backing from national Republicans. The race drew heavy spending and sharp personal attacks, including claims about El-Sayed’s faith that he denied.
El-Sayed thanked voters for taking a chance on him. “You took a chance on the unlikeliest of candidates,” he told the crowd. “You welcomed me in your homes, your churches, your synagogues.”
He added that Michigan chose hope over hate. The Associated Press and other outlets projected his win after a majority of ballots were counted, with El-Sayed holding a clear lead.
The result marked a significant milestone for Muslim representation in the upper chamber of Congress. El-Sayed is set to take office in January.
