SHAH ALAM – Democrat Abdul El-Sayed has made history as the first Muslim elected to the United States Senate after defeating Republican candidate Mike Rogers in Michigan's closely watched Senate race, according to US media projections.
El-Sayed, a former public health official, contested the seat vacated by retiring Democratic Senator Gary Peters after emerging from a competitive Democratic primary.
His projected victory follows a contentious campaign in which his Muslim faith became a central issue, with President Donald Trump and other Republicans repeatedly targeting him over his religious background.
El-Sayed rejected allegations linking him to extremism.
The Michigan contest attracted national attention as the state was narrowly won by Trump in the 2024 presidential election.
El-Sayed is set to become the first Muslim to serve in the US Senate when the new Congress convenes in January 2027.