Abdul El-Sayed defeated Republican Mike Rogers to win Michigan’s open U.S. Senate seat, becoming the first Muslim elected to the Senate. The victory follows a campaign centered on lowering prices, expanding healthcare access and regulating artificial intelligence.
The race to replace outgoing Democratic Sen. Gary Peters was marked by attacks on El-Sayed’s Muslim faith and Arab heritage. Donald Trump and other Republicans accused him of links to terrorist groups, including the Muslim Brotherhood, and used his campaign appearances with left-wing streamer Hasan Piker to question his politics. Trump also mocked El-Sayed’s name and heritage at rallies, while Rogers adopted similar lines of attack after winning the Republican primary.
Former President Barack Obama campaigned with El-Sayed in Michigan and other contested states, calling him “as Michigan as it gets.” El-Sayed’s Democratic primary opponent, Rep. Haley Stevens, later endorsed Rogers two days before the election, after criticizing El-Sayed over their differences on the war in Gaza.
El-Sayed drew on his experience as a physician to promote Medicare for All and broad changes to the for-profit insurance system. His campaign also emphasized rising costs, including the price of fuel and groceries. In an interview with Rolling Stone, he argued that voters should not have to choose between buying food and getting medical care.
Sources: Rolling Stone.