Muslims Make Historic Gains in US Elections; Abdul El-Sayed Becomes First Muslim Senator

By News National Editorial Team

November 4, 2026 | Washington, DC

Muslim American candidates have made historic gains in the United States midterm elections, with victories in the Senate, House of Representatives and state legislatures. The results mark a significant milestone in the political representation of Muslim Americans.

The biggest breakthrough came in Michigan, where Democratic candidate Abdul El-Sayed defeated Republican Mike Rogers to win the state's open US Senate seat. His victory makes him the first Muslim elected to the US Senate.

At least seven Muslim candidates won seats in the US Congress in the November 3 elections, according to election reports. Their victories include both new members and incumbent lawmakers who secured re-election.

Abdul El-Sayed Makes History in Michigan

Abdul El-Sayed, a 42-year-old physician and former public health official, won the closely watched Michigan Senate race.

He campaigned on expanding healthcare access, reducing living costs for working families and limiting corporate influence in politics. His campaign also called for an end to US military assistance to Israel.

El-Sayed's victory comes after a highly competitive campaign in which his Muslim identity became a subject of political attacks. He defeated former congressman Mike Rogers, who received the backing of President Donald Trump.

The result is being viewed as a breakthrough for progressive Democrats and a historic moment for Muslim representation in American politics.

Muslim Candidates Win Seats in the House

Several Muslim candidates also secured victories in the US House of Representatives.

Democrat Adam Hamawy defeated Republican Gregg Mele in New Jersey's 12th Congressional District, becoming the first Muslim elected to represent the state in Congress.

Hamawy is a plastic surgeon and former US Army combat physician. His campaign focused on healthcare, medical and student debt, immigration policy and US military assistance to Israel.

In New York, Darializa Avila Chevalier won the 13th Congressional District. A civil rights investigator and doctoral student who converted to Islam, she campaigned on community organising and civil rights.

Four Muslim lawmakers also retained their seats in the House:

• Ilhan Omar, Minnesota

• Rashida Tlaib, Michigan

• André Carson, Indiana

• Lateefah Simon, California

Their re-election ensures that Muslim American voices will continue to be represented in congressional debates on healthcare, immigration, economic inequality and foreign policy.

Historic Victories Beyond Congress

Muslim candidates also made significant gains in state-level elections.

In New York, Aber Kawas won a state Senate seat, becoming the first Palestinian American and the first Muslim woman elected to the New York State Legislature.

The victories reflect growing participation by Muslim Americans in electoral politics and an expanding presence in public office.

Healthcare, Housing and Civil Rights at the Centre

The candidates campaigned on a range of domestic and international issues, including affordable healthcare, housing costs, immigration, civil rights and US policy towards Israel and Palestine.

Their victories demonstrate that Muslim American candidates are increasingly competing successfully in elections across different states and constituencies.

The results also highlight the diversity of political views and priorities within the Muslim American community.

A Significant Moment for American Democracy

The election results represent an important milestone in the political participation of Muslim Americans.

Abdul El-Sayed's historic Senate victory, alongside gains in the House and state legislatures, expands Muslim representation at several levels of government.

The incoming lawmakers will now face the challenge of turning their campaign promises into policy while representing constituents with diverse political views and priorities.

Their success marks a notable chapter in the continuing evolution of American electoral politics.

Source: Reuters, Associated Press, ThePrint and Anadolu Agency.