Michigan held a competitive U.S. Senate election on November 3 between Democrat Abdul El-Sayed and Republican Mike Rogers, with control of the chamber potentially at stake. El-Sayed, a Michigan-born son of Egyptian immigrants and former head of Detroit’s health department, campaigned on progressive policies including Medicare for All. Rogers, a former congressman and close ally of President Donald Trump, sought a return to office following a defeat in a 2024 Senate race.
A pre-election polling survey by the New York Times and Siena showed El-Sayed ahead by 11 points going into Election Day. Voting began at 7am local time, with polls scheduled to close at 8pm. The U.S. Department of Justice deployed election monitors nationwide, marking a first in American history. El-Sayed had voted by absentee ballot before Election Day, while Rogers cast his ballot at a polling location in White Lake.
The race centered on several contentious issues, particularly El-Sayed’s criticism of U.S. support for Israel and his accusation that Israel committed genocide in Gaza. His position prompted Democratic Congresswoman Haley Stevens, whom he narrowly defeated in a primary election in August, to endorse Rogers on the weekend before the election. Stevens characterized her decision as “choosing country over hate.” Major pro-Israel donors shifted funding from Stevens to Republican groups supporting Rogers following her primary loss.
El-Sayed faced sustained attacks on his faith throughout the campaign. Trump repeatedly referred to him as a “jihadist” and a “nasty guy,” claimed without evidence that he belonged to the Muslim Brotherhood, and mocked his name. On Election Day morning, Trump posted on his Truth Social platform claiming El-Sayed “hates Jews and hates Blacks,” while calling voters “fools” for supporting him.
Democrats nationally needed to gain four Senate seats to regain control of the chamber. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer endorsed El-Sayed and suggested Stevens’ defection would not determine the outcome, stating “Haley Stevens is one vote.”
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