DETROIT: Democrat Abdul El Sayed is leading Republican Mike Rogers in Michigan’s closely watched US Senate race, with the result potentially making El Sayed the first Muslim elected to the chamber.
The former Wayne County health director entered Election Day as one of the country’s most closely watched candidates, with his campaign focused on healthcare, economic pressures and progressive policies. The race remains too close to be officially called.
El-Sayed’s potential victory would mark a historic first for American Muslims and add another milestone to a midterm election that has produced several firsts for underrepresented groups.
The Michigan contest has also drawn national attention because control of the Senate is at stake.
OTHER MUSLIM AND PALESTINIAN AMERICAN WINS
El-Sayed’s race is part of a broader story involving Muslim and Palestinian American candidates in the 2026 midterms.
Adam Hamawy won New Jersey’s 12th Congressional District, becoming the state’s first Muslim member of Congress.
Aber Kawas, a Palestinian American progressive, also won her New York State Senate race.
These victories add to a wider wave of historic firsts emerging from the 2026 elections. AP reported that El-Sayed remained among the candidates who could produce another major first by becoming the first Muslim US senator.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
El-Sayed’s race remains uncalled. His lead could still change as additional votes are counted and election authorities complete the process.
If he wins, he would become the first Muslim elected to the US Senate, giving the Michigan race significance well beyond the state's borders.
