Democrat Dr. Abdul El-Sayed has made history by becoming the first Muslim elected to the United States Senate after winning Michigan’s Senate race in the 2026 US midterm elections. The 42-year-old Egyptian-American politician defeated Republican candidate and former Congressman Mike Rogers, securing a majority of the votes to claim the seat. His victory marks a significant milestone in American politics, making him the first Muslim to serve in the US Senate. Speaking to supporters in Detroit after the result, El-Sayed celebrated the outcome by saying, “Michigan, we did it,” and thanked voters for placing their trust in him. He also remarked that his frequently used phrase “Inshallah” had now become “Alhamdulillah,” drawing loud applause from the crowd.

During his victory speech, El-Sayed made several notable remarks directed at prominent political figures, including President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance. Referring to Trump’s past difficulty in pronouncing his name, El-Sayed joked that after taking office, he could simply be called “Senator.” He also addressed Vice President Vance, noting the irony that he would be constitutionally required to administer his oath of office in January. El-Sayed further criticised the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), stating that despite spending millions of dollars against his campaign, voters had delivered a decisive verdict. Throughout his campaign, he remained outspoken in opposing US military aid to Israel and repeatedly called for an end to the war in Gaza.

Born in Michigan to Egyptian immigrant parents, Abdul El-Sayed built an impressive academic and public service career before entering national politics. He earned degrees from the University of Michigan, completed a doctorate in public health at the University of Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar, and later obtained his medical degree from Columbia University. He served as Detroit’s Health Director before leading Wayne County’s Department of Health, Human and Veterans Services. After an unsuccessful bid for Michigan governor in 2018, El-Sayed launched his Senate campaign in 2025 on a progressive platform that included expanding healthcare access and reducing the influence of corporate money in politics. His historic victory is widely seen as a landmark moment for political representation and diversity in the United States.