Democratic candidate Abdul El-Sayed, has defeated Republican contender, Mike Rogers in Michigan’s closely contested Senate election, making history as the first Muslim elected to the United States Senate.

The 42-year-old former public health official declared victory in Detroit after defeating Rogers in a highly competitive race that attracted national attention and significant campaign spending.

El-Sayed’s victory marks a major milestone in American political history and represents a breakthrough for Muslim representation in the country’s highest legislative chamber.

During his victory remarks, El-Sayed credited his grassroots campaign for the achievement, highlighting efforts to connect with voters across major cities and smaller communities throughout Michigan.

His campaign focused on economic issues, including affordable healthcare, the rising cost of living, campaign finance reform and policies aimed at reducing the influence of wealthy individuals and corporations in American politics.

He also advocated for Medicare for All and called for an end to US military assistance to Israel, positions that generated considerable debate throughout the campaign.

The election was particularly contentious, with El-Sayed facing criticism from Republican leaders, including President Donald Trump and other political allies, over his Muslim identity, foreign policy positions and progressive political agenda.

Trump and some of his supporters reportedly used Islamophobic rhetoric while attempting to portray the Democratic candidate as unsuitable for the Senate.

The contest also became more complicated following an unexpected political development involving Democratic Congresswoman Haley Stevens, who had lost to El-Sayed in the party’s primary election.

Stevens publicly endorsed Rogers shortly before Election Day, triggering widespread criticism from Democratic figures and members of her former campaign team.

Her endorsement followed disagreements with El-Sayed over Israel and campaign advertisements addressing US military support for the country.

Despite the internal divisions, El-Sayed continued his campaign, receiving support from prominent Democratic figures, including former President Barack Obama, who participated in a rally in Michigan to encourage voters to support him.

The race also attracted substantial financial investment, with campaign spending and political advertisements running into hundreds of millions of dollars.

Rogers, a former congressman, former FBI agent and Army veteran, had campaigned on promises to reduce taxes, restore manufacturing jobs and support working families.

However, El-Sayed’s victory secured the Michigan Senate seat for the Democrats amid a broader series of Democratic gains in the 2026 midterm elections.

His emergence as the first Muslim elected to the US Senate represents a historic development in the country’s political representation.