Abdul El-Sayed Wins Michigan Senate Race, AP Projects

Michigan’s Senate race called

November 4, 2026 · 6:40 p.m. Central

Democrat Abdul El-Sayed is projected to win Michigan’s open U.S. Senate seat, defeating Republican Mike Rogers and keeping the seat held by retiring Democratic Sen. Gary Peters in Democratic hands, according to the Associated Press.

If he takes office, El-Sayed will become the first Muslim to serve in the U.S. Senate, Reuters reported. He is a physician and former public health official who has not previously held elected office.

The AP reported Wednesday that Rogers had conceded. The outcome remains subject to the official counting and certification process.

A bitter campaign in a battleground

El-Sayed campaigned on a progressive platform that included Medicare for All. Rogers, a former congressman who chaired the House Intelligence Committee, emphasized issues including national security and sought support from Democrats and independents, AP reported through Michigan Public.

President Donald Trump and other Republicans attacked El-Sayed’s Muslim identity. El-Sayed told AP that voters had rejected a campaign he characterized as hateful. Rogers’ campaign thanked voters in a statement after the election, according to Michigan Public.

Michigan voted for Trump in the 2024 presidential election, making the seat a major target for Republicans. Nationally, AP projected Democrats would win control of the Senate.

A primary split before Election Day

El-Sayed defeated U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens in the Democratic primary. Shortly before Election Day, Stevens endorsed Rogers, citing concerns about El-Sayed and the Jewish community. The endorsement highlighted divisions within the party over the race.

Newstro previously covered Stevens’ endorsement and the candidates’ responses. El-Sayed’s projected win is the subsequent development.

Where voters cast ballots

The star marks the approximate central Lower Peninsula area of Michigan. The Senate election was statewide; the marker is not a result from a particular precinct.

Key dates

1. August 2026 — El-Sayed wins the Democratic Senate primary.
2. November 1, 2026 — Stevens endorses Rogers.
3. November 3, 2026 — Michigan voters cast ballots in the general election.
4. November 4, 2026 — AP calls the race for El-Sayed; Rogers concedes, AP reports.

Sources and visual credits

Associated Press: El-Sayed and concession · Reuters: projection · Associated Press via Michigan Public: race background.

Visual: conceptual Michigan ballot illustration, not a photograph of a polling place or count. Map data: OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL.