WASHINGTON: Democrat Abdul El-Sayed has won Michigan's closely watched US Senate race, defeating Republican candidate Mike Rogers to become the first Muslim American elected to the United States Senate.
The Associated Press called the race for El-Sayed, 42, whose victory marks a significant milestone for Muslim representation in American politics.
A physician and public health expert, El-Sayed previously served as director of the Wayne County Department of Health, Human and Veterans Services and executive director of the Detroit Health Department. His political career gained national attention in 2018, when he contested the Michigan gubernatorial election.
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During his Senate campaign, El-Sayed focused on affordable healthcare, economic inequality, workers' rights and reducing corporate influence in politics. He advocated a single-payer healthcare system and stronger protections for civil rights, including LGBTQI+ rights.
His Muslim identity also became a point of political contention during the campaign. Republican opponents questioned his political associations, including alleged links to the Muslim Brotherhood, claims for which evidence was not provided. El-Sayed denied membership in the organisation.
He previously defeated Democratic Representative Haley Stevens in the party's Senate primary before facing Rogers in the general election.
His victory is a historic moment for Muslim Americans, who have long remained underrepresented in the highest levels of federal political leadership.