Abdul El-Sayed becomes first Muslim to be elected to US Senate

Abdul El-Sayed has made history as the first Muslim to be elected to the US Senate, winning a closely contested race in Michigan. The victory is seen as a pivotal moment for both parties, as the state is a key swing state and has recently been held by Democrats. El-Sayed, a physician and epidemiologist, focused on universal health care and ending the influence of money in politics.

However, his candidacy faced backlash from President Trump, who called him a "jihadist lunatic" and mocked his name. El-Sayed faced accusations of ties to the Muslim Brotherhood, a group banned in many Middle Eastern countries, which alienated many voters, including Arab Americans in Michigan. Despite the challenges, El-Sayed's campaign resonated with voters, particularly younger progressives.

The election also marked a shift in US-Israel relations, with President Trump announcing an end to $4 billion in annual military aid to Israel. The move was made in response to criticism from Democrats, including El-Sayed, and came amid declining support for Israel among Democrats and parts of Trump's own Republican base.