Abdul El-Sayed Makes History as First Muslim US Senator

Democrat Abdul El-Sayed defeated former Republican lawmaker Mike Rogers in Michigan's US Senate race, becoming the first Muslim elected to the upper chamber of the US Congress, according to US media projections early Wednesday.

"Michigan, we did it!" El-Sayed declared during his victory speech before hundreds of jubilant supporters at his campaign headquarters in Detroit. "I am so proud and honoured to stand here as your senator-elect from the great state of Michigan."

The 42-year-old medical administrator secured the victory despite a last-minute setback when Congresswoman Haley Stevens, whom he defeated in the Democratic primary, endorsed Rogers shortly before Election Day. El-Sayed maintained a nearly six-percentage-point lead when television networks called the race.

Campaigning on progressive promises, including universal healthcare, affordable medical services and removing money from politics, El-Sayed won a crucial Senate seat for Democrats, succeeding retiring Senator Gary Peters.

His campaign attracted large crowds across Michigan, including traditionally Republican strongholds. He also focused on addressing economic hardships and reforming America's expensive, profit-driven healthcare system.

"You deserve to be able to see a doctor without getting a huge bill," El-Sayed told voters on the eve of the election.

Republicans had launched an aggressive campaign against him, portraying Democrats as communists and making accusations that El-Sayed posed a national security threat. He also faced Islamophobic attacks and mockery over his Arabic name from President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance.

However, his victory speech delivered a pointed response to the vice president.

Addressing JD Vance, El-Sayed said: "You're constitutionally obligated to swear me in in January."

His victory also makes him the first Democratic physician elected to the Senate since 1969.

The election campaign received considerable support from labour unions, progressive activists and left-leaning political influencers, helping El-Sayed reach Michigan's influential organised labour community.

Supporters celebrated his victory as a breakthrough for Muslim representation in American politics, with many praising his campaign's emphasis on ethical leadership and economic justice.