Radical Progressive Abdul El-Sayed Captures Michigan Senate Seat Amid Outside Money and Islamist Smears
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Epidemiologist Abdul El-Sayed defeated Republican former Rep. Mike Rogers to become Michigan's first Muslim U.S. senator, succeeding retiring Democrat Gary Peters, in a race that highlighted his far-left agenda, huge AIPAC-linked spending, and repeated controversies over his views and associations.
Democrat Abdul El-Sayed, a 42-year-old epidemiologist and former public-health official, won Michigan's Senate race, defeating Republican former Rep. Mike Rogers, according to projections. El-Sayed became the first Muslim elected to the U.S. Senate, overcoming a campaign that featured Islamophobic attacks linked to President Donald Trump and other Republicans.
El-Sayed told supporters, “They tried to confuse you, so let me just set the record straight. I love America.” He also criticized his opponent, saying, “Mike, enjoy your retirement. You chose hate, and Michigan chose hope.”
The victory continues a long Democratic hold on Michigan's Senate seats; the last Republican to win a Senate race in the state was in 1994. El-Sayed will replace retiring Sen. Gary Peters.
The contest drew national attention, with El-Sayed aligned with progressive figures such as Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. His stance on Israel and accusations of genocide were a focal point, prompting a pro-Israel group affiliated with AIPAC to spend more than $30 million in the primary and general election. Former Rep. Haley Stevens, who had run against El-Sayed in the Democratic primary, withdrew her support and endorsed Rogers after a church visit with him.
President Trump repeatedly targeted El-Sayed’s faith, labeling him a “jihadist Muslim Brotherhood member” at a rally in Port Huron. Rogers also accused El-Sayed of ties to the Muslim Brotherhood, a claim the candidate denied.
El-Sayed’s campaign slogan emphasized “Money out of politics, money in your pockets and Medicare for All,” positioning him on the progressive wing of the Democratic Party. Polls indicated his message resonated with some voters who had previously supported Trump.
Rogers, in a recent interview, defended his past support for targeted tariffs on Canada and expressed uncertainty about the war in Iran, saying, “Well, we’ll find out. I don’t think so.”