Abdul El-Sayed makes history as first Muslim elected to US Senate
Democrat Abdul El-Sayed has made history as the first Muslim elected to the US Senate, defeating Trump-backed Republican Mike Rogers in Michigan following a fiercely contested campaign.
Addressing cheering supporters in Detroit early Wednesday, El-Sayed thanked voters and campaign volunteers for helping secure his victory.
“I just want to thank everybody who knocked on a door, made a call, sent a dollar, posted a story, and most importantly, gave us your stake in democracy,” he said.
“You took a chance on the unlikeliest of candidates. Thank you - this is all yours,” he added.
The 42-year-old former public health official, whose parents are Egyptian immigrants, campaigned on universal government-funded healthcare, tackling rising living costs and reducing corporate influence in American politics.
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El-Sayed, a vocal critic of Israel's military campaign in Gaza, has accused Israel of genocide and called for US funding for foreign wars to be redirected towards healthcare, education and infrastructure.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
