Abdul El-Sayed wins Michigan Senate seat

El-Sayed defeats Rogers in Michigan

Democrat Abdul El-Sayed, 42, defeated former GOP Rep. Mike Rogers in the Michigan Senate race, CBS News projects. El-Sayed becomes the nation's first Muslim elected senator.

Republicans attacked El-Sayed's faith

President Trump and Texas Sen. Ted Cruz called El-Sayed a jihadist and member of the Muslim Brotherhood. Cruz said electing him posed a real risk that Americans would die.

“If I am correct that he is a passionate supporter of the Muslim Brotherhood, there is a very real risk that Americans will die as a result.”

El-Sayed denied Brotherhood ties

El-Sayed told Fox News he had never been a member of the Muslim Brotherhood and never would be. He also said an outside group's ad was not made by him and he disagreed with it.

“I have never been a member of the Muslim Brotherhood, I never will be a member of the Muslim Brotherhood.”

Democratic rival endorsed Rogers

Days before the election, El-Sayed's former primary opponent, Democratic Rep. Haley Stevens, endorsed Rogers at a church in Detroit. Stevens said she saw repeated hate in the campaign.

“Because when you see hate, when you see us standing with Hasan Piker, and repeated hate, it's not acceptable.”

Democrats retain Michigan Senate seat

El-Sayed's victory retains the seat for Democrats after one of the most contentious contests of the midterm elections. It comes after a slew of Democratic wins in states the president won in twenty twenty-four.