In a race fuelled by withering attacks and inter-party disputes, left-wing Democrat Abdul El-Sayed has won a key Senate seat in the battleground state of Michigan
El-Sayed bested Republican Mike Rogers, withstanding an onslaught of attacks that included baselessly tying him to terrorism and a high-profile spat with a fellow Democrat. He will be the first Muslim senator in US history.
Rogers, backed by President Donald Trump, portrayed El-Sayed as a communist, criticising his stance on Israel and his Muslim faith.
After waiting long hours, watching democratic gains across the country, El-Sayed’s supporters went wild when he took the stage to celebrate his victory.
The former public health administrator campaigned on a left-wing platform that included universal health care and a wealth tax on billionaires.
The win comes days after El-Sayed’s Democratic primary rival, Haley Stevens, endorsed Rogers, the Republican candidate, just days before the election.
El-Sayed’s supporters gave deafening cheers when he took to the stage, as they chanted his name in jubilation. A sea of iPhones were held up to take in this moment of history – a Muslim man elected to the Senate.
Several people in the crowd embraced, filled with emotion. They repeated his slogan back to him like they were at a concert: “Money out of politics, money in your pocket and Medicare for all.”
On the campaign trail, El-Sayed, the son of Egyptian immigrants, described Israel’s actions in Gaza as genocide and called for an end to US aid to the country.
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