42: Abdul El-Sayed Wins Michigan Senate Seat, Extends Democratic Control
The first Muslim senator defeated Republican Mike Rogers on Tuesday, capping a campaign marked by partisan attacks and internal Democratic disputes.
By Lucas Navarro ·
Abdul El-Sayed is projected to win the Michigan U.S. Senate race, a result that secures Democratic control of the chamber. The 42-year-old former Detroit healthcare worker will replace outgoing Sen. Gary Peters.
El-Sayed declared his victory at an event in Detroit, telling the crowd, "This is all yours, Michigan." He pledged to serve with "big-heartedness, open-mindedness, grit and earnestness." His campaign team told reporters earlier in the evening that vote counts in key precincts were exceeding expectations, particularly on college campuses.
The race featured a progressive platform centered on cost-of-living issues. El-Sayed argued that current administration policies, specifically tariffs on Canada, harmed Michigan workers. He also campaigned on a single-payer healthcare plan, known as Medicare for All, and a critical stance on U.S. foreign policy.
Republican candidate Mike Rogers launched a series of attacks focused on El-Sayed’s faith, a dynamic amplified by President Donald Trump. Trump called El-Sayed a "jihadi" on the campaign trail. Rogers pointed to El-Sayed’s birth mother, who worked for a charity later designated a terrorist group by the U.S. government, and claimed El-Sayed failed to condemn Hamas, a criticism El-Sayed’s team said was inaccurate.
Internal Democratic tensions complicated the race. In August, El-Sayed narrowly defeated moderate Rep. Haley Stevens in a primary. Over the weekend, Stevens unexpectedly endorsed Rogers, citing comments by Twitch streamer Hasan Piker, a vocal El-Sayed supporter. Community leaders in Detroit raised questions about El-Sayed’s engagement with Black voters, though supporters on the eve of the election called those concerns "misinformation."
National figures lent their support in the final days. Sen. Elissa Slotkin emphasized party unity at an event in Warren, stating the group agreed on the need to check the power of the White House. Former President Barack Obama and former Vice President Kamala Harris also campaigned for El-Sayed.
El-Sayed addressed the religious attacks during his victory speech, accusing opponents of trying to divide the state based on his faith. He told Republicans, "You chose hate and Michigan chose hope." To Rogers, he offered a blunt farewell: "Mike, enjoy your retirement!"
