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‘Call me senator’: How Abdul El-Sayed beat Trump’s hate to create history
Abdul El-Sayed has won Michigan’s US Senate race, becoming the first Muslim elected to the chamber. His victory followed attacks on his name and faith by Donald Trump and JD Vance, and is being viewed as a milestone for Muslim and Arab American representation and for progressive Democrats.
With more than 95 per cent of votes counted, El-Sayed was projected to receive over 52 per cent, defeating Republican Mike Rogers, Trump’s chosen candidate. The 42-year-old physician and former public health official campaigned on tackling economic inequality, healthcare and living costs, while criticising US military intervention and support for Israel; Michigan is a key swing state.
In short
- Abdul El-Sayed becomes the first Muslim elected to the US Senate.
- He won Michigan with more than 52 per cent of votes counted so far.
- His campaign focused on living costs, healthcare and economic inequality.
Explained simply
Michigan is a US state in the Great Lakes region and a closely contested state in national elections. Its two senators represent it in the US Senate, where lawmakers vote on federal laws and confirm senior government appointments.
Abdul El-Sayed is a physician and former public health official who ran as a Democrat. His campaign focused on healthcare, living costs and economic inequality, as well as US foreign policy. Mike Rogers, the Republican candidate, was backed by Donald Trump.
Muslim and Arab American communities are part of Michigan’s population, and representation in elected office is one reason the contest drew attention. The Senate has a role in shaping national policy, so the result also matters to the balance of political views represented there.