From ABC News · ABC News · · 2m
El-Sayed's grandparents celebrate his Senate win
Judy and Jan Johnson reflect on their grandson becoming the first Muslim American U.S. senator.
In brief
Judy and Jan Johnson reflect on their grandson becoming the first Muslim American U.S. senator. Dr. Abdul El-Sayed won Michigan's Senate seat on Tuesday, becoming the first Muslim American U.S. senator, and his grandparents said they are ecstatic about his historic victory. Originally reported by ABC News.
Historic Senate victory
Dr. Abdul El-Sayed won the Michigan Senate seat on Tuesday, becoming the first Muslim American U.S. senator. His grandparents Judy and Jan Johnson told ABC News Live they are ecstatic.
Grandparents welcomed him young
El-Sayed's father married their daughter Jackie when Abdul was four years old. The Johnsons said they quickly welcomed him into the family. Jan Johnson recalled, I felt like he came into my heart.
“I felt like he came into my heart. From the very beginning I just felt good.”
Always energetic and intelligent
Judy Johnson told ABC News Live that El-Sayed has remained the same since childhood. He is very energetic, very intelligent, very verbal, and really wants to help people, she said.
“He's the same now as he was then. Very energetic, very intelligent, very verbal, and really wants to help people.”
A challenging but respectful child
Judy Johnson described El-Sayed as a challenge as a child, just like their daughter Jackie. But she said their grandson was always respectful of his elders and became more self-disciplined.
Supported him through university
El-Sayed lived with his grandparents while attending the University of Michigan. Judy said she and her husband helped him with everything from providing feedback on papers to reminding him to do laundry.
Campaign trail support
The Johnsons appeared in a campaign ad talking about El-Sayed and his upbringing. Judy Johnson said El-Sayed called her every week on the campaign trail and they attended his election night party.
Facing attacks over faith
When asked about attacks against their grandson over his Muslim faith by opponents, Judy Johnson said she and her husband tried not to watch all of those negative things.
“We tried to be positive during the campaign.”
Presbyterian deacons supporting him
Judy Johnson, along with her husband Jan, is a Presbyterian deacon. The couple maintained their positive outlook despite the campaign attacks on their grandson's Muslim faith.
Looking forward to Thanksgiving
The Johnsons said they are looking forward to Thanksgiving with El-Sayed and the rest of their family. El-Sayed has been hosting the family for years, and everybody contributes to the meal.
“Everybody in our family celebrates Thanksgiving and we all get together and have a good time and everybody contributes to the meal.”
What matters most
Dr. Abdul El-Sayed won Michigan's Senate seat on Tuesday, becoming the first Muslim American U.S. senator, and his grandparents said they are ecstatic about his historic victory.
