El-Sayed Projected to Win Michigan Senate Seat

Muhammad Ali’s daughter, Khalilah Ali, and grandson, Jacob Ali-Wertheimer, endorsed Democrat Abdul El-Sayed at a Detroit church service, citing Ali’s legacy of opposing discrimination and injustice and concerns about rising hatred and economic pressures. El-Sayed was later projected to defeat Republican Mike Rogers for Michigan’s open U.S. Senate seat, preserving the seat for Democrats and making him the first Muslim elected to the Senate. The former Michigan health official campaigned on Medicare for All, reducing the cost of living, limiting corporate influence in politics and prioritizing domestic spending over money sent abroad. Supporters said his background and focus on working people helped his campaign resonate, while his progressive positions and Muslim faith became targets of political attacks; divisions among state Democrats also surfaced late in the race. El-Sayed declared victory at a Detroit gathering, while Rogers initially said outstanding votes could still change the result.