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Abdul El-Sayed with his wife, Sarah Jukaku, during an election night party in Detroit.
Photo: Salwan Georges/Getty Images
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Photo: Salwan Georges/Getty Images
Democrat Abdul El-Sayed made history in Michigan, defeating Republican Mike Rogers to become the first Muslim elected to the US Senate as his party regained control of Congress.
The 42-year-old former public health official has campaigned to cut costs, get Medicare for All and corporate money out of politics. Rogers, backed by President Trump, has repeatedly attacked El-Sayed for his Muslim faith and opposition to US military aid to Israel.
But Israel and the war in Gaza became a defining fault line in the race. Haley Stevens, who defeated El-Sayed in the Democratic primary, endorsed Rogers just days before the election amid a bitter dispute over Israel.
After a campaign marked by heated disagreements over Israel, El-Sayed now finds himself on the same side of an issue as Trump.
The president announced plans to end about $4 billion in annual military aid to Israel by the end of the year, though he offered no details on how the cuts would work.
Talk to Hello edition after his victory, El-Sayed welcomed the proposal.
“I think the president is actually right about this policy,” he said. “I would also like to see us stop selling weapons that are used to do the worst things, including genocide and apartheid, to Israel.”
The United States gives Israel $3.8 billion in annual military aid under an agreement that runs through 2028.
His argument goes beyond Israel. El-Sayed also questioned US military support for Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Pakistan, saying American tax dollars are being spent at home.
Winning Michigan’s Senate seat, however, does not mean that all divisions within his party have disappeared.
During a visit to Michigan before the election, NPR’s Michel Martin heard concerns about El-Sayed from some Jewish and black voters. Asked if he still has work to do to win their support, El-Sayed said the election results challenge that narrative.
“There is always more work to do. There is always more to build. There are always more conversations to be had,” he said.
Listen to the full interview live by clicking the blue button above.
The digital version was edited by Treye Green.
