Abdul El-Sayed's Breakthrough Victory: 1st Muslim US Senator

Democrat Abdul El-Sayed has won the Michigan Senate race, defeating Republican Mike Rogers and becoming the first Muslim elected to the United States Senate. A physician and former health official, El-Sayed's campaign was highly contested but ultimately fruitful for the Democrats in the broader Senate distribution, with Democrats now leading 54 seats to Republicans' 44.

US Midterm Elections: US Senate Has Its First Muslim Senator

It is my honor and privilege to be headed to the US Senate to serve the great state of Michigan.

Michigan, we did what they said couldn’t be done. We won. Together. Now the real work begins. pic.twitter.com/ITgNRyUkNc
— Dr. Abdul El-Sayed (@AbdulElSayed) November 4, 2026

While Muslim Americans have previously served in the House of Representatives, including Keith Ellison and Andre Carson, this was the first time a Muslim member was elected to the US Senate. Son of Egyptian immigrants, El-Sayed calls for a thorough review of US immigration policies, including, but not limited to, abolishing the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). (Credit: AbdulforSenate.com)

US Senate Election 2026: Republican Islamophobic Attack Campaign against El-Sayed

Prominent Republican leaders, including El-Sayed's now-defeated opponent, Mike Rogers, and the incumbent US President, Donald Trump, repeatedly levied Islamophobic attacks throughout the elections. Trump, in particular, labelled El-Sayed a terrorist and compared him to the September 11 hijackers. Rogers stood with Sen. John Kennedy, a Louisiana Republican who asserted El-Sayed sleeps “in a bin Laden jersey,” and with Sen. Ted Cruz, a Texas Republican, who called El-Sayed a “jihadist leprechaun.” (Credit: Reuters)

Dr Najita Lajevardi, professor of Political Science at the University of Michigan, called it "the most egregious and most bigoted Islamophobic campaign." Indeed, the attack campaign had real-world implications, with a few Detroit-area voters interviewed by Reuters saying El-Sayed's Muslim faith or perceived extremist ties strongly influenced their decision to vote for Rogers, citing a lack of trust. Elsewhere, Muslim immigrants mentioned an increase in hostility during the election season.

However, backed by Independent Bernie Sanders, Democratic Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and the progressives, in general, El-Sayed was also seen simply as a political leader who proposed relevant policies, with a 72-year-old Catholic voter saying:

"I grew up around all nationalities [...] We all matter, regardless of color, race or whatever."

—Pamela Johnson (Credit: Reuters)

US Political News: What El-Sayed Promises American Citizens

In his election campaign, El-Sayed had certain priorities, as follows:

Money Out of Politics: Reducing the influence of money in politics and strengthening democratic institutions—including but not limited to ending gerrymandering, Supreme Court reform, accessible voting, and increasing environmental protection.
Money in Your Pocket: Economic proposals aimed at improving household financial security and addressing wealth inequality by creating jobs, reforming trade policies, taxing billionaire wealth, reducing homelessness, etc. El-Sayed focuses especially on AI and data centre policies, demanding greater transparency and accountability.
Medicare for All: Strengthening public healthcare services and making medical treatment accessible and affordable. He proposes addressing the influence of large healthcare corporations and reducing prescription drug costs. El-Sayed also mentioned expanding access to reproductive and gender-affirming healthcare, while also addressing veterans' aid.