United States: Abdul El-Sayed elected in Michigan, first Muslim to enter the Senate

ByMuhammad

Abdul El-Sayed won the senatorial election in Michigan against Republican Mike Rogers, supported by Donald Trump. His victory, announced by the Associated Press, made him the first Muslim elected to the American Senate, at the end of a campaign marked by Islamophobic attacks.

A physician by training, graduate of Columbia and holder of a doctorate from Oxford, this former public health official in Detroit made himself known during the Democratic primaries for the post of governor of Michigan in 2018. He defends universal health coverage and the reduction of inequalities. His campaign was also marked by his denunciation of the genocide in Gaza and his opposition to American military support for Israel. These positions pitted him against Haley Stevens, his rival defeated in the Democratic primary, a fervent supporter of Israel.

Two days before the election, the latter had chosen to support Mike Rogers. This rallying, experienced as a betrayal by many Democrats, caused a wave of indignation and his exclusion from the party on a state level. This defection ultimately did not prevent El-Sayed’s victory.

His election marks a historic milestone for the representation of American Muslims. It also marks a success for the progressive wing of the Democratic Party, whose aspirations he embodies for greater social justice and a foreign policy respectful of the rights of the Palestinians. His arrival in the Senate gives an additional voice to this current, which disagrees with part of the Democratic leadership on support for Israel.

In a post on X (see below), Abdul El-Sayed claimed victory in Michigan, expressing his honor to represent the state in the U.S. Senate. “We did what they said was impossible. We won. Together,” he said, hailing a collective success before adding: “Now the real work begins. »

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Muhammad

Muhammad is a visionary thinker and passionate writer who has been contributing to Understanding Islam for several years.