El-Sayed Could Become First Muslim US Senator in Pivotal Michigan Race

Abdul El-Sayed, a 41-year-old Egyptian American doctor and public health advocate, won Michigan's Democratic Senate primary in August 2026 despite Islamophobic attacks. On September 6, he told an Islamic Society conference that being Muslim and American are "not mutually exclusive." If he defeats Trump-backed Republican Mike Rogers in November, he would become the first Muslim US senator — in a race that could help decide Senate control.