El-Sayed wins Michigan Senate race by 7 points
The Democrat, who becomes the state's first Muslim senator, said voters in every county rejected his opponent's focus on his faith and family background.
By Jenna Mitchell ·
Abdul El-Sayed defeated Mike Rogers by approximately seven percentage points in the Michigan Senate election, according to Wednesday afternoon data from Decision Desk HQ. The result secures El-Sayed's victory in the state's contest for the U.S. Senate.
The incoming senator characterized the outcome as a rejection of Rogers' campaign strategy. El-Sayed told The Associated Press that Michigan voters dismissed a "hateful, spiteful campaign" that he said focused on his identity rather than policy issues.
"Michiganders rejected that. Every single county, every single one, pushed against that," El-Sayed said. He added that the state proved "just how big we are" in the face of targeted attacks.
Rogers, a former representative, challenged El-Sayed's religious and family ties during the race. The Republican argued that the progressive candidate had pledged support to the Muslim Brotherhood, an organization the Trump administration designated as a terrorist group in 2025. President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance also weighed in against El-Sayed during the campaign.
El-Sayed responded to the criticisms during a debate, stating he was "proud to be an American." He questioned the relevance of faith in the political process, noting that the U.S. Constitution guarantees the right to pray as one chooses.
Rogers issued a concession statement earlier on Wednesday, thanking supporters and warning that the state faced ongoing challenges. "Michigan, we have a state to save, now more than ever," Rogers wrote. He expressed hope that the state's best days are ahead.
As of Wednesday afternoon, El-Sayed had not yet spoken to Rogers. The senator-elect said he took a moment of reflection on his victory, considering the historical significance for his two young daughters.
