Michigan Senate Race: Historic Muslim Candidate Faces Off Against Trump-Backed Republican in Closely Watched Midterm Election

Michigan voters are participating in a highly anticipated and closely contested race that could see Democrat Abdul El-Sayed become the first Muslim elected to the United States Senate, potentially influencing control of the chamber. Republican challenger Mike Rogers cast his ballot in White Lake, Michigan, shortly after polls opened. El-Sayed had previously submitted and had his vote counted via an absentee ballot. Both candidates are vying for the seat being vacated by retiring Democratic Senator Gary Peters. A recent poll by The New York Times/Siena indicated El-Sayed held an 11-point lead over Rogers heading into the election. Polling stations opened at 7 a.m. local time (12:00 GMT) and are scheduled to close at 8 p.m. (01:00 GMT on Wednesday). A close contest may result in the winner not being declared until Wednesday. The US Department of Justice has announced that election monitors will be deployed to polling sites in Michigan and all other 49 states, a measure unprecedented in US history. El-Sayed, a Muslim of Egyptian heritage and former head of Detroit’s health department, has campaigned on progressive platforms, including Medicare for All. His opponent, Rogers, a former congressman and an ally of US President Donald Trump, is attempting a political comeback after a narrow defeat in a 2024 Senate race. Democrats require a net gain of four seats in the midterm elections to regain control of the Senate and counter Trump's influence. The outcome of this race is also being viewed as a significant test of whether a progressive candidate, who has been critical of Israel, can secure victory in a swing state. Both candidates utilized social media for a final campaign push as voting commenced. El-Sayed shared an optimistic campaign video featuring former US President Barack Obama, stating, “It’s time. It’s up to us to show the country what’s possible. The world is watching.” Rogers, in contrast, posted a video with supporter testimonials, one of whom characterized El-Sayed as an “extremist,” with the accompanying message, “We have a state to save.” Democratic Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer formally endorsed El-Sayed after casting his own vote in New York. Schumer emphasized that many Michiganders prioritize lowering costs, and El-Sayed’s focus on these issues positions him for a win. The final days of El-Sayed’s campaign were impacted by a public disagreement with Congresswoman Haley Stevens, a fellow Democrat whom El-Sayed had narrowly defeated in a primary. Stevens subsequently endorsed Rogers, citing a choice of “country over hate,” following a dispute over El-Sayed’s stance on US support for Israel. Stevens, a strong supporter of Israel, saw significant backing from the pro-Israel lobbying group the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), which reportedly spent over $30 million supporting her primary campaign against El-Sayed. Following her loss, many of her major donors redirected approximately $9 million to a Republican group supporting Rogers, according to The New York Times. El-Sayed, conversely, has criticized Israel’s actions in Gaza and advocated for redirecting US aid to domestic needs. When asked by NewsNation about her change in endorsement, Stevens affirmed, “Absolutely. Voting is always worth it, right?” Senate leader Schumer, who had initially supported Stevens, downplayed the impact of her defection, stating, “Haley Stevens is one vote.” El-Sayed, born in Michigan to Egyptian immigrant parents, has been subjected to repeated attacks regarding his faith. Republican Party advertisements have attempted to associate him with “terrorism” and radicalism, with President Trump amplifying this rhetoric. Trump has frequently labeled El-Sayed a “jihadist” and a “nasty guy,” mocking his name and promoting an unsubstantiated claim that El-Sayed is affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood. Hours before polls opened, Trump posted on his Truth Social platform, urging voters against El-Sayed and promoting Rogers. In a Fox News interview on Election Day, Trump also commented on US financial aid to Israel, suggesting it should cease at the end of 2026 and questioning why the US should face criticism from individuals like El-Sayed when Israel does not require the aid.