6 highlights from midterm election night

6. Abdul El-Sayed becomes first Muslim elected to US Senate

Democrat Abdul El-Sayed is projected to defeat Republican Mike Rogers to win Michigan’s open U.S. Senate seat, and will become the first Muslim elected to the Senate.

Unofficial results show El-Sayed capturing 51.9% of the vote to Rogers’ 46%, with independent Lydia Christensen at 1%, as of early Wednesday morning. El-Sayed took the stage at 1:30 a.m. Wednesday in Detroit for his victory speech. 

"Michigan, I cannot wait to serve you with the same big-heartedness, open-mindedness, grit, and earnestness that you've shown me," he said. "You welcomed me to your homes, your churches, your synagogues, your VFW and union halls."

"You shared moments of frustration and sadness and vulnerability with me," he added. "You gave me grace and strength in my lowest moments and the hope and inspiration that powered my best. I love you back."

The seat is held by outgoing Sen. Gary Peters, a Democrat. Although Trump won Michigan in 2024, Republicans have not won a Senate race there since 1994.

The contest was the most expensive in state history, with more than $243 million in spending. Rogers and his outside allies outspent El-Sayed and his backers by roughly 3:2, according to Federal Election Commission disclosures.

During two debates, El-Sayed portrayed Rogers as a puppet for Trump. Rogers questioned whether El-Sayed could be trusted and tried to tie him to the Muslim Brotherhood, a tactic that many Democrats criticized as anti-Muslim rhetoric.

The win also bolsters the argument from the Democratic Party’s progressive wing that its candidates can win close races in a battleground state like Michigan.