Abdul El-Sayed Wins Michigan Senate Race, Set to Become First Muslim US Senator
The Democrat defeated Republican Mike Rogers to hold the open seat left by retiring Sen. Gary Peters, according to projections.
Democrat Abdul El-Sayed has won Michigan’s open US Senate seat, defeating Republican Mike Rogers and positioning himself to become the first Muslim to serve in the Senate.
The call
ABC News projected El-Sayed the winner on Wednesday, and The Guardian also reported his victory. A tally of race calls compiled Wednesday morning listed El-Sayed ahead by about five points.
The seat opened when Democratic Sen. Gary Peters decided not to seek reelection. Michigan was one of the few places Republicans hoped to pick up a Democratic seat this year. Instead, Democrats held it.
A rematch for Rogers
Rogers, a former congressman and FBI agent, narrowly lost Michigan’s 2024 Senate race and ran again this year. The race drew heavy national spending and attention.
Who is El-Sayed
El-Sayed is a physician and public health official who previously led Detroit’s health department. He ran for governor of Michigan in 2018 and lost the Democratic primary. His Senate campaign focused on health care costs and the cost of living, themes that echoed across the country this year.
Part of a broader Democratic night
El-Sayed’s win came as Democrats captured control of both the House and the Senate. Michigan voters also elected Democrat Jocelyn Benson as governor, keeping that office in Democratic hands after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer reached her term limit.
Historic firsts
The 2026 midterms produced several firsts. Keisha Lance Bottoms became the first Black woman elected governor of any state, according to the AP. Deb Haaland was elected governor of New Mexico, making her the first Native American woman to lead a state. And Hakeem Jeffries is in line to become the first Black Speaker of the House.
Michigan’s electorate
Michigan has one of the largest Arab American and Muslim communities in the country, concentrated in the Detroit area. Turnout in those communities was closely watched this year after many voters there expressed frustration with both parties over foreign policy in 2024.
What’s next
El-Sayed will be sworn in with the new Congress in January. He will join a Democratic majority that, as of Wednesday, held at least 54 seats, with races in Alaska and Mississippi still uncalled.
How we reported this
This report is based on information confirmed by the Associated Press or by at least two major news organizations, as noted in the text. Claims that have not been independently verified are identified as such. BURN VOC will update this story as new information is released.
