Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) hailed Democrat Abdulrahman El-Sayed’s victory in the Michigan U.S. Senate race, while spotlighting the growing representation of Muslim Americans in Congress. “You turned that inshallah into alhamdulillah,” Omar wrote in a celebratory post, referencing the Arabic phrases for “God willing” and “praise be to God.”
El-Sayed, a progressive backed by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), defeated Republican former Rep. Mike Rogers with 52.5% of the vote, according to AP projections. The win keeps retiring Sen. Gary Peters’ seat under Democratic control—a critical hold in a state Donald Trump carried in 2024.
Historic Gains for Muslim Representation
Omar emphasized the broader significance of the election results, noting that eight Muslims will now serve in the next Congress. “They told us we couldn’t speak up, couldn’t challenge the status quo, and couldn’t make it this far,” she said. “But we did. Alhamdulillah.”
El-Sayed, who previously ran for Michigan governor in 2018, rose to prominence with his advocacy for Medicare for All and sharp criticism of Israel’s military actions in Gaza, which he has labeled “genocide.” His primary victory over moderate Rep. Haley Stevens in August signaled Democrats’ leftward shift in the state.
A High-Stakes Flip
Michigan’s Senate seat was a top Republican target after Peters announced his retirement, but El-Sayed’s coalition of young voters, Arab Americans, and progressives proved resilient. The race tested Democratic unity in a battleground where opposition to U.S. policy in Gaza became a flashpoint.
Omar’s celebratory remarks reflect progressives’ growing influence both in Congress and in state-level races. The incoming class of Muslim lawmakers—double the number currently serving—includes rising stars like El-Sayed and underscores the party’s demographic evolution.
Source: www.breitbart.com — https://www.breitbart.com/midterm-election/2026/11/04/alhamdulillah-ilhan-omar-hails-abdul-el-sayeds-michigan-senate-win/