Democrat Abdul El-Sayed defeated Republican Mike Rogers in Michigan’s open U.S. Senate race, becoming the first Muslim elected to the chamber. El-Sayed will succeed retiring Democratic Sen. Gary Peters, keeping the seat in Democratic hands as Democrats took control of both chambers of Congress [wfla.com][newsday.com][thenation.com]. El-Sayed, a 42-year-old physician and former public health official, campaigned on Medicare for All, lower household costs and less influence for money in politics. He also called for ending U.S. military aid to Israel and described Israel’s actions in Gaza as genocide, positions that drew criticism during the race [wfla.com][rollingstone.com][urdupoint.com]. President Trump and other Republicans repeatedly attacked El-Sayed’s Muslim faith and alleged links to the Muslim Brotherhood. El-Sayed denied any connection, and the Associated Press reported that the allegations were unsupported by evidence. Rep. Haley Stevens, whom El-Sayed defeated in the August primary, endorsed Rogers two days before Election Day. El-Sayed is due to take office in January [wfla.com][cleveland.com][rollingstone.com]. Highlights: • Outside spending: Outside groups spent nearly $60 million in the Democratic primary; the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, a pro-Israel lobbying group, spent nearly $30 million against El-Sayed, its largest investment in a single race [cleveland.com][wfla.com]. • Democratic backing: Former President Barack Obama and former Vice President Kamala Harris campaigned with El-Sayed in Detroit, while Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez joined his final campaign swing [wfla.com]. • Rogers’ strategy: Rogers tried to distance himself from President Trump on the Canada trade dispute and the Iran war, writing that the war “needs to end, and end quickly” [dailymaverick.co.za][cleveland.com]. • Staff resignations: Stevens’ endorsement of Rogers prompted members of her congressional staff to resign, while Michigan Democratic officials said the controversy brought more volunteers to El-Sayed’s campaign [salon.com]. Perspectives: Haley Stevens, U.S. representative and former Democratic primary opponent: Stevens said she could not support El-Sayed because of disagreements over Israel and concerns about his campaign’s direction [koaa.com][salon.com]. (KOAA) Muslim Americans interviewed by The New York Times: They described the significance of El-Sayed’s election as resting not simply on his religion, but on his focus on issues that matter to voters [nytimes.com]. (The New York Times) "Thank you. This is all yours." — Abdul El-Sayed, senator-elect from Michigan Sources: • How Abdul El-Sayed Overcame the Hate and Won Big in Michigan - rollingstone.com • Abdul El-Sayed Wins in Michigan, Becomes First Muslim Elected to Senate - rollingstone.com • El-Sayed Celebrates Win for ‘the Unlikeliest of Candidates’ - nytimes.com • Abdul El-Sayed Triumphed. Trump and Islamophobia Lost. - thenation.com • Abdul El-Sayed defeats Mike Rogers despite Haley Stevens drama - salon.com • Abdul El-Sayed’s Senate Win Is Big to Muslim Americans, but Not Because of Faith - nytimes.com • What El-Sayed Said in His Victory Speech Was Actually Kind of Terrifying - pjmedia.com • El-Sayed’s Senate win is big to Muslim Americans, but not because of faith - seattletimes.com • El-Sayed tells AP Michigan rejected ‘hateful, spiteful campaign’ after months of Republican attacks - seattletimes.com • Haley Stevens Destroyed Her Political Career for Absolutely Nothing - theintercept.com • Abdul El-Sayed defeats racism and Trump: From smear attempts to a historic victory in Michigan - alquds.com • Abdul El-Sayed wins Michigan's Senate seat, beating Mike Rogers - fox2detroit.com • Democrat Abdul El-Sayed makes history as first Muslim elected to US Senate - koaa.com • Abdul El-Sayed Makes History, Defeats Mike Rogers To Become First Muslim US Senator - news18.com • Abdul El-Sayed Wins Michigan Senate Race, Making History as First Muslim Senator - time.com • Democrat Abdul El-Sayed claims victory in Michigan Senate battle - thehindu.com • Abdul El-Sayed makes history as first Muslim US senator - minutemirror.com.pk • Abdul El-Sayed wins U.S. Senate seat in Michigan - cleveland.com • Abdul El-Sayed wins Michigan's U.S. Senate seat, AP projects - wzzm13.com • Abdul El-Sayed Wins Michigan Senate Race, Becomes First Muslim US Senator - indiavision.com • Progressive Democrat Abdul El-Sayed wins Michigan Senate race, will become first Muslim senator - wfla.com • Abdul El-Sayed Makes History To Become First Muslim Senetor With Michigan Win - thequint.com • Progressive Democrat Abdul El-Sayed wins Michigan Senate race - newsday.com • Quem é Abdul El-Sayed, democrata eleito primeiro senador muçulmano da história dos EUA - brasildefato.com.br • Democrat Abdul El-Sayed wins Michigan Senate race - royanews.tv • Abdul El-Sayed makes history, defeats Mike Rogers ... - minutemirror.com.pk • Abdul El-Sayed defeats Trump-backed Republican to win Michigan Senate seat - urdupoint.com • Moqué par Trump, ce démocrate musulman a triomphé - watson.ch • Abdul El-Sayed becomes first Muslim elected to US Senate - dailymaverick.co.za • Democrat Abdul El-Sayed wins election to U.S. Senate from Michigan - newsday.com --- 📰 Story aggregated by Kagi News