Abdul El-Sayed Wins Michigan Senate Seat in Historic Midterm Victory
Democrat Abdul El-Sayed won Michigan’s U.S. Senate race early Wednesday, defeating Republican Mike Rogers to become the first Muslim elected to the U.S. Senate after a deeply contentious midterm contest. The 41-year-old progressive secured the open seat being vacated by retiring Democratic Senator Gary Peters.
Speaking to cheering supporters at his election headquarters in Detroit, El-Sayed reflected on the campaign trail and the phrase he frequently used when asked about the election’s outcome. “I had always said ‘inshallah,’ or ‘God willing,’ whenever the outcome of the race came up,” El-Sayed told the crowd. “But today, tonight, we can turn that inshallah into alhamdulillah!” He then added a quip for critics, noting, “For the right-wing ops, that just means ‘praise be to God.'”
El-Sayed Alleges Millions Spent Against His Campaign
During his victory speech, El-Sayed turned his attention to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), which supported his opponents in both the Democratic primary and the general election. He claimed the group spent $42 million against his campaign, and alleged that more than $350 million total went toward efforts to defeat him, including roughly $70 million during the primary fight. Those figures have not been independently established.
It is my honor and privilege to be headed to the US Senate to serve the great state of Michigan. Michigan, we did what they said couldn’t be done. We won. Together. Now the real work begins. pic.twitter.com/ITgNRyUkNc
“We don’t want our money sent to do apartheid, or genocide, or war,” El-Sayed told supporters, arguing that federal tax revenue should instead fund domestic infrastructure, health care, and schools. He has repeatedly accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, an allegation that Israel firmly rejects and that Rogers has disputed throughout the cycle.
The debate over foreign assistance and military spending also played out, noting that chants of “Free Palestine” echoed through the crowd during the victory address. “It shouldn’t be hard to pay your taxes and know that money is going to be spent on you and your kids, rather than dropping bombs on somebody else and their kids,” El-Sayed said.
Primary Race Highlights Fractures Within Democratic Party
The race highlighted stark fractures within the Democratic Party regarding Israel and foreign policy. Over the summer, El-Sayed narrowly defeated Representative Haley Stevens, a moderate Democrat backed by the party’s centrist establishment who firmly supports Israel.
Tensions during the primary and general elections spilled over into public view. Stevens was removed from a campaign event after demanding that supporters condemn an advertisement blaming U.S. military assistance to Israel for rising domestic food prices. Following her primary defeat, Stevens eventually announced her endorsement of Rogers.
President Donald Trump repeatedly targeted El-Sayed during the campaign, criticizing his religion, labeling him a “dangerous jihadist,” and referring to him by the name “Mohammed El-Sayed.” Addressing those remarks in his speech, El-Sayed responded directly: “Donald, I know you struggled with my name… So after JD swears me in January, you can just go on and call me ‘Senator.'”
Exit Poll Reveals Support Patterns Among Jewish Voters
An exit poll tracking Jewish voters who cast ballots ahead of Election Day revealed nuanced support patterns across the state. El-Sayed captured 60% of the early Jewish vote in the Senate contest, while Democratic gubernatorial nominee Jocelyn Benson secured 79% of that same demographic. Republican challenger Mike Rogers pulled in 36% of early Jewish voters, while 5% left their ballots blank.
BREAKING: Democrat Abdul El-Sayed wins U. S. Senate race in Michigan, according to VoteHub and DDHQ. He becomes the first Muslim elected to the Senate. pic.twitter.com/I7UcLjy5br
Among the Jewish voters who backed Rogers, 61% indicated they cast their ballots primarily in opposition to El-Sayed rather than out of strong support for the Republican candidate. 92% of those who did not vote for El-Sayed pointed to his positions on Israel and related concerns about antisemitism as a core factor in their decision, while 22% stated they wanted to send a direct message to the Democratic Party. These figures reflect polling completed prior to Stevens publicly endorsing Rogers.
With the midterms concluded, El-Sayed prepares to take his oath of office in January as the first Muslim senator in American history.
