El-Sayed Enters Senate as Muslim Candidates Win NationwideMuslim Candidates Win Despite Islamophobic AttacksVoters Choose El-Sayed After Costly, Contentious Campaign
Michigan voters elected Democrat Abdul El-Sayed to the Senate on November 3, making him the chamber’s first Muslim member. At least 97 Muslim candidates won federal, state and local races across the country in 2026.Abdul El-Sayed became the Senate’s first Muslim member on November 3, as at least 97 Muslim candidates won races nationwide. His campaign faced attacks on his faith and vast outside spending.Michigan elected Abdul El-Sayed to the Senate on November 3, making him its first Muslim member. The Democrat campaigned to halt American weapons transfers to Israel and reject broad foreign military aid.