El-Sayed Wins Michigan Senate Seat

Democrat Abdul El-Sayed defeated Republican Mike Rogers in Michigan’s Senate race, keeping the seat in Democratic hands and becoming the first Muslim elected to the U.S. Senate; he is due to take office on January 3. A former Michigan public health official, El-Sayed campaigned on universal health care, easing household costs and limiting corporate influence. His campaign was marked by scrutiny of his criticism of Israel and U.S. military aid, as well as unfounded claims by Trump and other Republicans linking him to extremist groups; El-Sayed and supporters said anti-Muslim attacks sought to cast doubt on his belonging and patriotism. He said he opposed U.S. money going toward apartheid, genocide or war, and the result was celebrated as a milestone for Muslim representation and a rebuke to the attacks against him.