El-Sayed Wins Michigan, Becomes First Muslim US Senator
The Facts
- Democrat Abdul El-Sayed defeated Republican former Rep. Mike Rogers in Michigan's Senate race, projections showed early Wednesday, to retain the seat of retiring Democratic Sen. Gary Peters and become the first Muslim elected to the U.S. Senate.
- Decision Desk HQ called the race at 1:15 a.m. EST on Wednesday, and NBC News followed at 2:27 a.m. With 94% of the vote counted, El-Sayed led with 52.26% to 45.74% for Rogers, a margin of roughly 298,000 votes.
- In his victory speech, El-Sayed thanked the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, which spent about $42 million opposing him, told Rogers to "enjoy your retirement," and posted on X that Michigan "did what they said couldn't be done."
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The Spin
Democratic narrative
Playing it safe has been a losing strategy for Democrats, and Michigan just proved that a bold progressive message beats the consultant-approved mush. Medicare for All, taxing the rich and getting corporate cash out of politics are winners with working people, and now the Democratic Party must reconcile this reality with its senior establishment. 2028 is for the taking, but only if the party makes sure it doesn't tear itself apart from the inside out.
Republican narrative
A candidate who cheered on defunding the police and brands a close ally a genocidal state has no business anywhere near the Senate. Voters clearly wanted change, with the swing state seeking lower costs and safer streets, but the election of an anti-American socialist will not deliver the results the people want. It would not be a surprise if Michigan quickly realizes its mistake and resoundingly rejects the dangerous ideology it has chosen at the next possible opportunity.