Abdul El-Sayed makes history as first Muslim elected to US Senate
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Güneşli
13 oC
Güneşli
Democratic candidate Abdul El-Sayed made history by winning Michigan’s Senate race and becoming the first Muslim elected to the United States Senate.
El-Sayed defeated Republican candidate Mike Rogers in the closely contested race, securing the Senate seat in Michigan and marking a first in the country’s political history.
The victory was among the notable results of the 2026 US midterm elections, in which voters decided the new balance of power in Congress.
El-Sayed, a 42-year-old former public health official, focused his campaign on economic difficulties, rising living costs, healthcare issues and the influence of major financial groups in politics.
Following his victory, El-Sayed addressed supporters at an event in Detroit and highlighted the financial campaigns launched against him during the election process.
He said millions of dollars were spent to prevent his election and stated, “We do not want our money to fund apartheid, genocide or wars.”
Throughout the election campaign, El-Sayed faced criticism over his Muslim identity, political views and statements regarding Palestine.
US President Donald Trump and Republican figures accused El-Sayed of holding radical views and called on voters to reject his candidacy. El-Sayed and his supporters said such statements were aimed at his Muslim identity and political positions.
Republican candidate Mike Rogers also criticised El-Sayed over his views on foreign policy, particularly his opposition to US military support for the occupation regime.
El-Sayed has been known for his criticism of Washington’s support for the occupation regime and for his statements regarding the situation in Gaza.
El-Sayed said groups linked to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) spent tens of millions of dollars against his campaign.
He argued that the large financial resources used against his candidacy showed the influence of powerful lobbying groups in US politics.
The Michigan Senate race became one of the closely followed contests of the midterm elections due to debates over foreign policy, domestic issues and the role of financial influence in political campaigns.
El-Sayed’s victory represents a historic development in US politics as he became the first Muslim elected to serve in the Senate.
The result also brought renewed attention to debates over the representation of Muslims in US political institutions and Washington’s policies toward Palestine.(ILKHA)
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