Democrat Abdul El-Sayed makes history as first Muslim elected to US Senate

Democratic candidate Abdul El-Sayed has claimed victory over Republican Mike Rogers in Michigan’s US Senate race, saying he is the senator-elect, while Democrat Adam Hamilton has been projected to win the Senate contest in Kansas.

Speaking at his election headquarters in Detroit early Wednesday, El-Sayed declared victory and thanked supporters.

“Michigan, we did it!” he said. “I am so proud and honoured to stand here as your senator-elect from the great state of Michigan.”

If confirmed, El-Sayed would become the first Muslim elected to the US Senate.

His campaign faced a setback shortly before Election Day when Congresswoman Haley Stevens, whom he defeated in the Democratic primary, endorsed Rogers.

El-Sayed has also been a vocal critic of US support for Israel and has called for an end to arms sales to the country.

Meanwhile, in Kansas, Democrat Adam Hamilton defeated Republican incumbent Roger Marshall, according to media projections, marking a significant gain for Democrats in a state that has not elected a Democrat to the Senate since 1932.

Hamilton, a pastor who leads a large United Methodist congregation, campaigned on affordability and bipartisanship. He described himself as an independent-minded Democrat and rejected Republican portrayals of him as far left.

In his victory speech, Hamilton called for greater unity between Democrats and Republicans and criticised the impact of President Donald Trump’s policies, including tariffs and cuts to food assistance, on the cost of living.

“The people in Kansas, Republicans, Democrats and independents, were saying, what's happening in Washington is not okay,” Hamilton said.