Democrat Abdul El-Sayed became the first Muslim elected to the US Senate after defeating former Republican Rep. Mike Rogers in Michigan's closely watched race Tuesday, holding onto a crucial Democratic-held seat, according to projections by US media.

El-Sayed, a medical doctor and former public health official, emerged from a competitive Democratic primary to contest the seat vacated by retiring Sen. Gary Peters.

His historic victory came after a contentious campaign in which his Muslim faith became a central issue, with President Donald Trump and other Republicans repeatedly attacking him over his religious background.

El-Sayed rejected allegations linking him to extremism.

The victory also comes in a state narrowly won by Trump in the 2024 presidential election.

El-Sayed will become the first Muslim to serve in the Senate when the new Congress convenes in January.

'Bad guys lost ... We won!'

He celebrated his projected victory in Michigan early Wednesday, delivering an emotional message to supporters while taking direct aim at Trump and Vice President JD Vance.

Speaking at his election-night watch party, El-Sayed thanked Michigan voters and pledged to bring the same determination, openness, and compassion to the US Senate that he said voters had demonstrated throughout his campaign.

“Michigan, I cannot wait to serve you with the same big-heartedness, open-mindedness, grit, and earnestness that you've shown me,” El-Sayed told supporters.

He urged supporters to celebrate the result as a collective victory, framing the outcome as a rejection of his political opponents and a triumph for those who had campaigned for a broader political cause.

“Let them know tomorrow that the bad guys lost,” he said. “Let them know that we together, fighting for something bigger, we won. We won! So Mike, enjoy your retirement."

The Democratic candidate also directed pointed remarks toward Vance, referencing the constitutional process through which newly elected senators are sworn into office.

“There is this delicious irony in the fact that you're constitutionally obligated to swear me in in January,” said El-Sayed.

He then addressed Trump, citing the president's campaign rallies where he made a show of having trouble pronouncing El-Sayed’s name.

“Donald, look, I know you struggled with my name,” El-Sayed said. “So after JD swears me in in January, you can just go on and call me senator." (AA)