Abdul El-Sayed becomes first Muslim elected to US Senate
The Michigan Democrat defeated Republican Mike Rogers in a closely watched contest following campaign remarks about shawarma law.
Michigan Democrat Abdul El-Sayed has won a seat in the US Senate, becoming the first Muslim elected to the chamber, according to NBC News projections reported by Moneycontrol. El-Sayed, 42, defeated Republican candidate and former representative Mike Rogers in the 2026 US midterm elections.
An epidemiologist and former public health official, El-Sayed belongs to the progressive wing of the Democratic Party. His campaign focused on policies such as universal healthcare through Medicare for All and ending US military aid to Israel.
During the campaign, El-Sayed responded to opponents who accused him of supporting Sharia law by stating he was in favour of "shawarma law". At a campaign stop in Macomb County earlier this week, he said, "Do not believe the people who say I'm for Sharia law, I'm for shawarma law."
El-Sayed faced criticism from President Donald Trump, who called him a "communist" and a "jihadist". He also lost the support of Democratic Representative Haley Stevens, who had been defeated by him in the party's primary and later endorsed Rogers.
At his victory celebration, El-Sayed criticised Washington's support for Israel and called for an end to US funding of military operations. He stated that Michiganders want taxes spent on local schools, healthcare, and infrastructure rather than on war.
El-Sayed will succeed retiring Democratic Senator Gary Peters. His victory continues a period where the Republican Party has not won a Senate seat in Michigan since 1994.
