Abdul El-Sayed becomes the first Muslim senator in US history, winning in Michigan

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Abdul El-Sayed defeats Haley Stevens in primaries and Mike Rogers in the general election

El-Sayed's campaign was marked by acute internal tensions within the Democrats, with the candidate attributing victory in the primary to a minimal margin. In August, the 42-year-old doctor edged out moderate Representative Haley Stevens by less than one percentage point, consolidating the position of the progressive wing in an extremely competitive state recently won by Donald Trump. ^[2]

The situation heated up before the vote when Stevens publicly announced her support for rival Republican Mike Rogers. The decision of the former representative-democrat to appear alongside the Republican at an electoral meeting sparked outrage among Democratic leadership, although this action served as a catalyst for mobilizing El-Sayed's voter base. ^[2]

Known for an atypical visual image in Congress, the 42-year-old politician adopts a relaxed dress style, preferring V-neck T-shirts, sports watches, and jeans. He is married to psychiatrist Sarah Jukaku, known from university days, and the couple lives with their daughters in Ann Arbor. ^[2]

The direct involvement of his wife, Dr. Jukaku, highlighted the importance of social protection mechanisms during the campaign. She shared her personal experience related to post-partum complications, emphasizing the crucial role of labor unions in medical and financial crises, a central theme for his pro-working-class discourse. ^[2]

The official swearing-in will take place in January 2027, marking a historic moment for the American legislature. El-Sayed will become the first person of Islamic faith to hold a permanent seat in the history of the US Senate, filling the seat left vacant by retiring Senator Gary Peters. ^[2]

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Abdul El-Sayed wins the race for Senate in Michigan, becoming the first Muslim senator in the US

Abdul El-Sayed's victory gives the Democratic Party a new mandate in a key state, while also strengthening the position of the party's progressive wing. The 42-year-old doctor will succeed Gary Peters, the Democratic senator who is retiring, thereby ensuring the Democrats' presence in the next legislature. El-Sayed will become the first Muslim senator in US history upon taking the oath of office, scheduled for January 2027. ^[3]

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El-Sayed mocks Trump and Vance in victory speech

Muslim Senator Abdul El-Sayed addressed an ironic message to President Trump and Vice President JD Vance during his victory speech, mocking the latter's constitutional obligation to administer the oath of office. El-Sayed directly addressed JD Vance using the Arabic term 'habibi' (my dear), highlighting the irony of the situation where the vice president is constitutionally required to preside over his inauguration ceremony. He urged Trump and Vance to use a different nickname for him, suggesting they simply call him 'Senator' from now on. The speech ended on a tone of reconciliation, declaring his desire to serve the entire state and all categories of citizens. El-Sayed will assume office starting in January 2027. Previous victories have strengthened the position of the party's progressive wing, reinforcing his image as an advocate for disadvantaged classes. His rhetorical actions and campaign activities reflected a clear political line, focusing on combating social inequalities. ^[4]

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Abdul El-Sayed becomes the first Muslim senator in US history, winning in Michigan

Abdul El-Sayed's historic victory in Michigan made him the first Muslim politician elected to the US Senate. Shortly after the results were confirmed, the new Democratic senator launched jokes at the expense of Republican leaders Donald Trump and J.D. Vance, highlighting the sports rivalry between their states of origin: Michigan (Wolverine) and Ohio (Buckeye). ^[5]

JD, habibi. There is this delicious irony in the fact that you are constitutionally obligated to swear me in next January. So, you know, that means Wolverine one, Buckeye zero. Donald, I know you've struggled with my name, so after JD swears me in next January, you can simply call me Senator,” declared Abdul El-Sayed. ^[5]

El-Sayed, an epidemiologist by profession and a prominent representative of the Democratic Party's progressive wing, enjoys the support of young people and minority communities. His references to 'Wolverine' and 'Buckeye' illustrate the sporting rivalry between the University of Michigan and Ohio State University, J.D. Vance's alma mater. ^[5]

The use of the Arabic appellation 'Habibi' ('friend' or 'my dear') towards Vance intentionally accentuates the cultural contrast. The message addressed to Donald Trump comes against the background of past incidents where the American president frequently distorted or mocked the names of opponents with foreign origins. ^[5]

The Vice President of the United States acts as President of the Senate, having the responsibility of validating new parliamentarians. This routine procedure generated the 'delicious irony' invoked by the new Michigan senator, for whom the constitutional procedure ironically collides with campaign rhetoric. ^[5]

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Abdul El-Sayed, the first Muslim senator in the US, attracts support through economic themes, not religious ones

Democrat Abdul El-Sayed's victory in the US Senate is considered a historic moment for the Muslim community in the United States. Many Muslim voters stated that his success was not due to religious identity, but rather to his approach to issues that directly affect their lives, such as the cost of living, public health, and foreign policy, according to The New York Times. Karrar Al-Sadkhan, an 18-year-old from Dearborn who voted for the first time, stated that the candidate's religion was not the deciding factor. 'Democrats focused more on fuel prices, health, and food costs, and that motivated me,' he said. 'The Constitution gives us the freedom to practice our religion as we wish, but our loyalty is to the Constitution.' El-Sayed's victory is described by The New York Times not as a success of religious representation, but as that of a new progressive Democratic coalition, which promotes universal access to healthcare, lowering the cost of living, and stopping US funding for Israel. During the campaign, El-Sayed tried to combat accusations of extremism, openly denying links to the Muslim Brotherhood and asking partners to condemn any attempt to introduce religious doctrines into American legislation. 'I believe you must understand the Constitution, not I,' El-Sayed replied at an electoral meeting, drawing applause. Nesrin Abaza, owner of a Palestinian restaurant in Washington, considers the emphasis placed on El-Sayed's religion 'ridiculous'. Some voters claim they were drawn by economic proposals rather than the senator's religious identity. 'Taking money out of politics, money in people's pockets, and Medicare for all. That's what I hear Abdul saying, sincerely,' said a supporter, a member of a school board in Illinois. Donald Trump attributed the label of 'violent and merciless jihadist' to El-Sayed. El-Sayed's campaign was marked by harsh attacks from Republicans, who attempted to associate him with extremist organizations. Claiming that his victory would bring a wave of jihadists into the United States, Trump called him 'a violent and merciless jihadist'. Republican attacks paradoxically contributed to mobilizing the Muslim electorate. Basim Elkarra, advisor to the Unity and Justice Fund organization, supported that these helped the community mobilize 'like never before'. The issue of the war in Gaza had a major influence on the Muslim and Arab-American electorate, with many criticizing US support for Israel. Despite the electoral success, polls show that negative perceptions of Islam remain strong in American society, and analysts predict the new senator will be closely monitored. ^[6]

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Abdul El-Sayed, the first Muslim senator and watch enthusiast

Abdul El-Sayed's victory consecrates him not only as the first Muslim senator in US history but also as probably the first senator in the capital who is an authentic watch nerd. El-Sayed is also noted as the first politician to openly manifest his passion for watch collecting, offering an image distinct from political stereotypes. While many senators wear Rolex, El-Sayed has an impressive rotation of models appreciated by collectors, reflecting a deep love for the watch industry. During the campaign, El-Sayed frequently wore the Mühle Glashütte SAR Rescue Timer, a 42mm German rescue instrument created for the Maritime Search and Rescue Service, highlighting his preference for robust and utilitarian watches. He also wears the Sinn U1 SE dive watch, a robust 44mm steel model resistant to 1,000 meters of water, equipped with the Sellita SW 200-2 automatic movement. The collection also includes more elegant models, such as Omega Speedmaster references and Tudor Black Bays (likely the Black Bay 54 model). Among his vintage watches is a Zenith El Primero Chronomaster Triple Calendar (neo-vintage from the late 90s to early 2000s), with a 40mm case and complex functions such as moon phase. In the victory speech, El-Sayed wore a unique and valuable watch not previously worn during the campaign: a Grand Seiko Spring Drive Chronograph. The model is Grand Seiko Spring Drive Chronograph ref. SBGC249, a limited edition of 700 pieces released in 2022 to celebrate 15 years since the launch of the brand's first Spring Drive line. The watch is equipped with the caliber 9R96, an automatic Spring Drive chronograph with GMT movement, being the first chronograph in the brand's contemporary Evolution 9 collection. With a 45.3mm titanium case, 15.8mm thickness, and 52.6mm lug-to-lug distance, the model fits the senator's sporty dress style and large wrist circumference. The SBGC249 features a three-day power reserve visible through a sapphire display back and is water-resistant to 100m. El-Sayed described his passion for watches in an interview in May with LGBT Detroit: 'People who know me know I am attracted to automatic and classic watches.' Throughout the campaign, he frequently wore the obscure German watch Mühle-Glashütte S.A.R. Rescue-Timer. He also owns a Shinola Runwell, produced by the Detroit-based brand, his hometown, as well as an Omega Speedmaster – the famous watch worn by American astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin during the moon landing – a strong patriotic symbol. ^{[8] [7]}