Trending 
Democrat Abdul El-Sayed defeated former Republican lawmaker Mike Rogers in Michigan’s U.S. Senate race, becoming the first Muslim elected to the upper chamber of Congress.
Addressing supporters at his campaign headquarters in Detroit early Wednesday, El-Sayed celebrated the result and described his election as a major milestone.
“Michigan, we did it!” El-Sayed said.
“I am so proud and honored to stand here as your senator-elect from the great state of Michigan.”
The 42-year-old doctor secured the Democratic nomination despite a late setback when Congresswoman Haley Stevens, whom he defeated in the party’s primary, endorsed Rogers shortly before the election.
El-Sayed campaigned on progressive policies, including universal healthcare, as he sought to retain the Senate seat for Democrats following the retirement of incumbent Gary Peters.
Republicans, however, attacked his political positions, portraying Democrats as communists and accusing El-Sayed of being a terrorist who would threaten American security.
Throughout the campaign, El-Sayed focused on healthcare costs and promised to make medical services more affordable for ordinary Americans.
He argued that people should be able to access medical care without facing overwhelming bills.
“You deserve to be able to see a doctor without getting a huge bill,” he told Michiganders on the eve of the vote, vowing to upend America’s divisive multi-billion-dollar for-profit medical system.
The candidate also attracted large crowds at campaign events across Michigan, including in areas traditionally dominated by Republicans.
Beyond healthcare, El-Sayed promised to reduce the influence of money in politics and address economic pressures facing voters who were seeking alternatives to established political figures.
His victory would also make him the first Democratic doctor elected to the Senate since 1969.
