‘Rejecting hate’: Abdul El-Sayed wins Senate seat despite racist attacks

What the report says

Abdul El-Sayed, the Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate in Michigan, defeated Republican Mike Rogers, according to Al Jazeera’s report from Detroit on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2026. The result makes El-Sayed the first Muslim senator-elect in U.S. history, with his swearing-in set for Jan. 3. Al Jazeera reported that his campaign was marked by anti-Muslim and anti-Arab attacks, including rhetoric promoted by President Donald Trump and other Republicans.

El-Sayed, a former public health official, ran on issues including broader access to government-funded healthcare, reducing the influence of money in politics, and addressing affordability concerns. The article also noted his criticism of Israel’s policies and his call to redirect spending from foreign wars toward domestic needs. His victory is also significant for Democrats, who regain control of the Senate with this seat.

The report highlighted the role of Michigan’s large Arab American community, especially in Dearborn, and said many voters saw the race as a test of belonging, inclusion, and resistance to bigotry. Al Jazeera said turnout in Detroit and Dearborn reflected frustration with Trump’s agenda, immigration crackdowns, and rising costs. Supporters and community leaders described the win as a rejection of hate in politics and a sign that the state’s diverse electorate was prepared to back a candidate who focused on local concerns rather than identity-based attacks.