Abdul El-Sayed and Mike Rogers face off in Michigan Senate race
Democratic candidate Abdul El-Sayed and Republican Mike Rogers are competing for a Senate seat in Michigan.
Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed and Republican rival Mike Rogers are competing for a Senate seat in Michigan. The contest has drawn international attention, with supporters claiming the outcome could influence the political path of the state and the country.
El-Sayed, a 42-year-old public health advocate and former Detroit health department leader, is of Egyptian descent. If he wins, he would become the first Muslim US senator. He has campaigned on progressive policies, including Medicare for All.
Rogers is a 63-year-old former US Congress member and state legislator. He is an ally of Donald Trump and supports tax cuts, deregulation, and increased domestic energy production. He has also pledged unconditional support for Israel.
The race has involved significant spending from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). The group has spent millions to defeat El-Sayed and has also supported Rogers through the United Democracy Project.
Democratic Representative Haley Stevens has criticised El-Sayed's positions on Israel, though she stated she would still vote for the Democratic candidate. El-Sayed responded that the party's priority should be defeating Trump's candidate.
The seat is currently held by retiring Democrat Gary Peters. A victory for Rogers would give Republicans the seat for at least six years.