Abdul El-Sayed becomes the first Muslim elected to the Senate
Democrat Abdul El-Sayed defeated Republican Mike Rogers in Michigan, becoming the first Muslim ever elected to the U.S. Senate.
Democrat Abdul El-Sayed won Michigan's open Senate seat on Tuesday, becoming the first Muslim elected to the U.S. Senate.
El-Sayed, 42, is an epidemiologist and former public health official from the progressive wing of his party. He defeated Republican former Rep. Mike Rogers, who was backed by President Donald Trump, in one of the most bitter races of the midterm campaign.
During the race, El-Sayed faced attacks on his Muslim faith and on his opposition to U.S. military aid to Israel. Some Republicans, including Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, labeled him an extremist in the final days of the race. Days before the election, Rep. Haley Stevens, whom he had beaten in the Democratic primary, endorsed Rogers.
El-Sayed declared victory early Wednesday at a rally in Detroit, thanking supporters for backing what he called an unlikely candidate. He campaigned on lowering costs, Medicare for All and reducing the influence of corporate money in politics.
He will replace retiring Democratic Sen. Gary Peters. Michigan has not elected a Republican to the Senate since 1994.
His win was part of a wider Democratic sweep that gave the party control of both chambers of Congress, and it marks a breakthrough for the left wing of the party, which has pushed for new leadership and policies.
This summary is original reporting by tehworldnews, written after checking the facts against several major international news outlets and official statements.