Hannah Einbinder Celebrates El-Sayed’s Michigan Senate Victory

Einbinder had promised on Instagram that she would perform her impression of Michigan Rep. Haley Stevens if El-Sayed won. After the race was called early on November 4, she shared a video from a bar, then posted a congratulatory message to El-Sayed.

El-Sayed’s Historic Win Gets a Haley Stevens Sendup

El-Sayed’s victory in Michigan delivered a historic first: he will be the first Muslim to serve in the U.S. Senate. Actor Hannah Einbinder marked the win with a promised impression of Rep. Haley Stevens, whose late endorsement of Republican Mike Rogers followed her loss to El-Sayed in the Democratic primary.

Einbinder had said she would perform the impression if El-Sayed won. After the race was called early on November 4, she posted a clip from a bar and later congratulated him.

Stevens’ switch drew criticism from Michigan Democratic leaders, and a number of people on her congressional team quit to protest. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer also denounced the endorsement. El-Sayed won despite Islamophobic attacks and controversy over his views on Israel.

Democrats also took control of both houses of Congress in the midterms, while picking up Senate seats in Iowa and Kansas and winning races in other states.

Democrats Celebrate El-Sayed Win as Stevens’ Defection Draws Fire

Democrats celebrated El-Sayed’s Michigan victory with a historic milestone: he becomes the first Muslim to serve in the U.S. Senate. Actor Hannah Einbinder joined the celebration with an impression of Rep. Haley Stevens, who backed Republican Mike Rogers after losing the Democratic primary to El-Sayed.

Einbinder had pledged to perform the impression if El-Sayed won. She posted the clip from a bar after the race was called early on November 4, then shared a congratulatory message to the winner.

Stevens’ endorsement provoked criticism from Michigan Democratic leaders, and a number of people on her congressional team quit to protest. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer also denounced the move. The episode became a focus of attention after Stevens appeared on CNN and was questioned about her change of position.

The outcome coincided with Democrats taking control of both houses of Congress. They also won Senate races in Iowa and Kansas and made gains in gubernatorial contests.