United States: Abdul El-Sayed could become the first Muslim senator

Democrat Abdul El-Sayed is seeking a Senate seat in Michigan in the Nov. 3 election. If he wins against Republican Mike Rogers, he will become the first Muslim senator in the history of the United States, underlines the Financial Times. A former public health official and son of Egyptian immigrants, he notably defends universal access to care and a reduction in the influence of large companies in politics.

The two candidates faced each other on October 21 during their last debate, devoted in particular to health, immigration and foreign policy. This election in Michigan is one of the elections likely to determine control of the Senate.

The campaign is also marked by attacks targeting the religion and origins of the Democratic candidate. According to the GuardianEl-Sayed chooses to respond directly, while seeking to bring the discussions back to economic concerns and access to care. He disputes insinuations questioning his loyalty to the United States because of his Muslim faith.

The outcome of the vote remains uncertain: the polls give El-Sayed a slight lead, but the gap remains within the margin of error.