Detroit. Abdul El-Sayed, a 42-year-old physician and former public health official, has made history after defeating Republican Mike Rogers in Michigan’s US Senate race, becoming the first Muslim elected to the upper chamber of the US Congress.

The Democratic candidate's victory, called by the Associated Press early Wednesday, gives his party a key Senate seat previously held by retiring Democratic Senator Gary Peters. With about 87% of votes counted, El-Sayed secured 51.9% of the vote against Rogers' 46.1%, according to AP results. 

"Michigan, we did it!" El-Sayed told hundreds of cheering supporters at his election headquarters in Detroit.

"I am so proud and honored to stand here as your senator-elect from the great state of Michigan."

His victory marks a milestone for Muslim representation in American politics and a breakthrough for the Democratic Party's progressive wing, following a campaign centered on universal health care, economic affordability and reducing corporate influence in politics.

From Public Health to Politics

Born and raised in Southeast Michigan, El-Sayed is the son of an Egyptian immigrant. He studied biology and political science at the University of Michigan before earning a doctorate in public health from Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar and a medical degree from Columbia University.

Rather than pursue a conventional medical career, he focused on public health policy and administration.

He became Detroit's health director in 2015, at the age of 30, helping rebuild the city's health department following its financial bankruptcy. He later served as director of Wayne County's Department of Health, Human and Veterans Services from 2022 to 2025.

His experience in public health became the foundation of his political career, particularly his advocacy for broader access to health care and addressing inequalities in the US healthcare system.

El-Sayed first sought elected office in 2018, running for Michigan governor on a progressive platform that included universal health care, clean water access, and tuition-free higher education. He finished second in the Democratic primary, losing to Gretchen Whitmer, who went on to win the governorship.

He returned to electoral politics in 2026, securing the Democratic nomination for the Senate after defeating Representative Haley Stevens in a contentious primary.

His campaign received backing from prominent progressive figures, including Senator Bernie Sanders, and attracted support from voters frustrated with rising living costs and the influence of wealthy donors in politics. 

A Campaign Focused on Health Care and Affordability

El-Sayed built his Senate campaign around a promise to expand access to health care, including through a universal, publicly funded system commonly known as Medicare for All.

He argued that Americans should not face overwhelming medical bills when seeking treatment and pledged to tackle medical debt and the rising cost of living.

He also called for reducing the influence of corporate money in politics, arguing that wealthy interests have too much influence over government decisions.

"You deserve to be able to see a doctor without getting a huge bill," he told supporters ahead of the election.

His platform drew large crowds across Michigan, including in traditionally conservative areas, as he sought to appeal to younger voters, working-class communities and organized labor groups.

However, his proposals faced criticism from Republicans, who argued that expanding government-funded health care would limit patients' choices and place additional pressure on public finances.

Overcoming Attacks on His Muslim Identity

El-Sayed's campaign also faced attacks targeting his Muslim faith and Egyptian background.

President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance questioned his loyalty to the United States, while Republican allies sought to associate him with extremist groups. El-Sayed rejected the allegations, which were not supported by evidence.

The campaign also experienced divisions within the Democratic Party after Stevens, whom El-Sayed defeated in the primary, endorsed Rogers shortly before Election Day.

Despite the controversy, El-Sayed maintained his campaign's focus on health care, economic pressures, and political accountability.

His victory speech included a pointed message to Vance, who will be constitutionally required to preside over the swearing-in of newly elected senators.

"You're constitutionally obligated to swear me in in January," El-Sayed said.

He will take office in January 2027, becoming the first Muslim member of the US Senate and the first Democratic doctor elected to the chamber since 1969.

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