Democrat Abdul El-Sayed, 42, has become the first Muslim elected to the US Senate, after winning Michigan's seat in the midterm elections, defeating his Republican opponent Mike Rogers. This victory marks an unprecedented stage in the history of political representation of Muslims in the United States, as he took the seat previously held by retiring Democratic Senator Gary Peters.
For his part, El-Sayed said during his victory speech: "They wanted America to be too narrow to accommodate us. And we know this country has room for all of us," adding, "You gave a chance to a candidate who was the least likely to win... Michigan, I can't wait to serve you." El-Sayed is of Egyptian descent, migrated to the United States, and was born and raised in the suburbs of Detroit, before obtaining a medical degree from Columbia University and a doctorate from Oxford University.
In the same context, El-Sayed focused his election campaign on issues affecting daily life, such as the rising cost of living and healthcare, and called for adopting a universal healthcare system and limiting the influence of corporations in campaign financing. According to Reuters, his Republican opponents attempted to link him to extremism, while President Donald Trump described him with inflammatory characterizations, and Democrats considered these remarks to have relied on anti-Muslim rhetoric.
The American website "The Monitor" noted in a report published today, Wednesday, that El-Sayed declared, during an interview with Al Jazeera in October last year, his support for lifting sanctions imposed on Syria during the ousted regime, a measure taken by the Trump administration last year. This statement gains importance given his accession to the Senate, as it adds a supportive voice for lifting sanctions to the political debate within the US legislative establishment.
El-Sayed begins his political experience in Congress, which will commence its duties on January 3rd, at a time when discussions are increasing regarding the cost of external interventions and public spending priorities, files that intersect with his electoral positions and regional issues.
Source: Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA)
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