Rep. Ilhan Omar celebrated Abdul El-Sayed's victories in Michigan's U.S. Senate race by invoking "Alhamdulillah," an Arabic phrase meaning "praise be to God," as the progressive Democrat made history becoming the first Muslim elected to the upper chamber of Congress.

El-Sayed, a doctor and former Wayne County health director, defeated Republican Mike Rogers in one of the most closely watched Senate races of the 2026 midterm elections. His victory helped Democrats secure control of the Senate and dealt a significant blow to Republican hopes of maintaining power in Washington.

Progressive Insurgent Makes History

The 42-year-old physician entered the race in April 2025 after serving as director of Wayne County's Department of Health, Human and Veteran Services. He built his campaign around progressive priorities including Medicare for All, climate action, and labor rights, positioning himself as a champion for working class Michiganders.

El-Sayed defeated Rep. Haley Stevens in the Democratic primary before facing Rogers, a former congressman, in the general election. Despite Republican attempts to make his Muslim faith a liability in a state where President Trump had employed anti-Muslim rhetoric, El-Sayed registered an impressive victory in the high-stakes contest.

Reaction from Progressive Leaders

Omar, one of the first Muslim women elected to Congress, praised El-Sayed's achievement on social media immediately after his victory was called early Wednesday morning. The Minnesota congresswoman has been a vocal supporter of Muslim candidates seeking higher office.

El-Sayed celebrated his win during an election night party at The Department at Hudson's in Detroit, embracing his wife, Dr. Sarah Jukaku, on stage as supporters chanted his name. In his victory speech, he invoked the Arabic phrase that Omar would later echo, marking a significant moment for Muslim representation in American politics.

Democratic Wave Lifts Progressive Candidate

The Michigan Senate race was one of several closely fought contests that broke decisively for Democrats on Tuesday night. El-Sayed's victory came as part of a broader Democratic wave that swept Republicans out of power in both chambers of Congress and multiple state governments.

Democratic incumbent Gary Peters chose not to seek a third term, leaving the seat open and making Michigan one of the most competitive Senate battlegrounds of the cycle. El-Sayed's ability to hold the seat for Democrats proved crucial to the party's effort to flip Senate control.

Looking Ahead to January

When El-Sayed takes office in January, he will become the lone Muslim member of the U.S. Senate, though he will join Omar and Rep. Rashida Tlaib as Muslim members of Congress. His election represents a breakthrough for Muslim Americans seeking representation at the highest levels of government.

The historic nature of his victory was not lost on supporters who gathered in Detroit to celebrate. Many pointed to the significance of a Muslim doctor winning a Senate seat in a state where anti-Muslim sentiment had been weaponized during the campaign, viewing the result as evidence that voters care more about policy positions than religious identity.