Election 2026 Michigan
Former President Barack Obama, center, joined by Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate Abdul El-Sayed, left, and Democratic gubernatorial nominee and Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, right and Secretary of State nominee, Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist, second from right and Attorney General nominee Eli Savit, second from left, clasp hands after a campaign event at Cass Technical High School Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, in Detroit.
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Michigan Democrat Abdul El-Sayed has become the first Muslim elected to the U.S. Senate — a significant milestone for Muslim Americans. El-Sayed's victory is seen as a rejection of anti-Muslim rhetoric. President Donald Trump and other Republicans had targeted El-Sayed with accusations and fearmongering. On Wednesday, El-Sayed's win over Republican rival Mike Rogers was confirmed. Council on American-Islamic Relations national executive director Nihad Awad calls it a historic defeat for the politics of hate. El-Sayed says his critics “tried to demonize people because of how they pray." El-Sayed hopes his election will encourage Americans who feel unrepresented in national politics.
