From Vox · Andrew Prokop · · 1m 30s
Abdul El-Sayed wins Michigan Senate seat
Abdul El-Sayed becomes Michigan's first Muslim US senator after defeating GOP nominee Mike Rogers.
In brief
Abdul El-Sayed becomes Michigan's first Muslim US senator after defeating GOP nominee Mike Rogers. Abdul El-Sayed won the Michigan Senate race against Mike Rogers, becoming the first Muslim US senator. Originally reported by Vox.
El-Sayed wins Michigan Senate race
Abdul El-Sayed narrowly won the Democratic nomination for an open Senate seat in Michigan in August 2026.
Historic Senate win
El-Sayed will be the first Muslim to serve in the Senate, marking a historic milestone for the US political landscape.
Viral political star
El-Sayed's charisma and ability to go viral have already made him a political star, with some fans anticipating a future presidential run.
Bitter Democratic primary
El-Sayed battled Democratic establishment-backed US Rep. Haley Stevens in one of the most intense and bitter Democratic primaries in the country.
AIPAC spending
El-Sayed faced $30 million in AIPAC spending on his primary rival Haley Stevens’s behalf.
Islamophobic attacks
El-Sayed faced Islamophobic attacks from Republicans, including Trump calling him a 'jihadist Muslim Brotherhood member' who would create 'a nightmare of violence and terror' in the US.
Tensions with pro-Israel Democrats
El-Sayed maintained tense relations with pro-Israel Democrats who argued he was slow to criticize antisemitic rhetoric from his supporters.
Stevens endorses Rogers
Two days before the election, El-Sayed’s primary rival Haley Stevens endorsed GOP nominee Mike Rogers, saying El-Sayed hadn’t done enough to condemn an antisemitic ad.
Support from Sanders and Obama
El-Sayed won backing from top Democrats including Sen. Bernie Sanders and former President Barack Obama.
What it means
Abdul El-Sayed won the Michigan Senate race against Mike Rogers, becoming the first Muslim US senator.
