Democrat Abdul El-Sayed has made history as the first Muslim elected to the United States Senate after defeating former Republican Representative Mike Rogers in Michigan’s closely watched midterm election.
El-Sayed’s victory, projected by US media on Tuesday, secured the seat being vacated by retiring Democratic Senator Gary Peters and marked a milestone for Muslim representation in American politics.
According to Anadolu Agency, the 42-year-old Egyptian-American former public health official will assume office when the new Congress convenes in January.
His victory followed a competitive Democratic primary in August, in which he defeated Representative Haley Stevens before securing his party’s ticket for the general election.
El-Sayed’s campaign attracted support from prominent progressive politicians, including Senator Bernie Sanders, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Michigan Representative Rashida Tlaib.
He campaigned on expanding access to healthcare through Medicare for All, reducing housing costs, limiting the influence of wealthy donors in politics and improving economic opportunities
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