New Senator: Abdul El-Sayed Calls Michigan 'Capital of Arab America'
The Michigan Democrat made the declaration at a summit in Virginia after becoming the first Muslim elected to the U.S. Senate.
By Abigail Brooks ·
Abdul El-Sayed introduced himself as the next United States Senator from Michigan during a speech at the CONNECT Arab America Empowerment Summit in Chantilly, Virginia. The event took place outside the nation's capital on Wednesday.
The newly elected Democrat contrasted the political power of Washington, D.C., with the demographic weight of his home state. He stated that while Washington serves as the capital of the United States, Michigan holds the title of the capital of Arab America.
El-Sayed cited the state's large Arab-American population, specifically pointing to Dearborn and the greater Detroit area. These regions contain one of the most concentrated groups of Arab Americans in the country.
The physician and former Detroit health director secured the seat by defeating Republican candidate Mike Rogers. The Associated Press projected his victory early Wednesday, marking the first time a Muslim has been elected to the United States Senate.
His win allows Democrats to retain the seat previously held by retiring Senator Gary Peters. El-Sayed's parents immigrated from Egypt, and he has previously drawn attention for his positions on foreign policy. He criticized Israel's military operations in Gaza and opposed U.S. military assistance to the country.
El-Sayed began his remarks by giving his full name, Abdulrahman Mohamed El-Sayed. He expressed honor in representing the state, linking his personal heritage to the political landscape of the Midwest.
