Democrat Abdul El-Sayed has secured a place in the US Senate following his victory in Michigan, becoming the first Muslim senator in the country’s history.
The 42-year-old, whose parents immigrated to the United States from Egypt, celebrated his election victory by playfully addressing Vice-President JD Vance as “JD, habibi”, meaning “JD, my love”.
Vance had campaigned against El-Sayed but is expected to swear him into office in January.
During his campaign, El-Sayed faced criticism from conservative media outlets and President Donald Trump, who accused him of supporting the Muslim Brotherhood. The Democrat rejected the allegations and addressed the attention surrounding his name at his victory rally.
“My name is Abdul Rahman Mohammed El-Sayed,” he told supporters, using an Egyptian Arabic accent as the crowd cheered.
Social Media Campaign Focused on Progressive Policies
El-Sayed used social media extensively during his campaign, sharing TikTok videos aimed at younger voters and incorporating Gen Z humour and friendship bracelets into his public image.
The former public health administrator campaigned on a progressive platform that included Medicare for All, affordable housing and measures to reduce corporate influence in politics.
He also repeatedly criticised US military assistance to Israel.
His victory was part of a wider series of election successes involving politicians with African heritage across the United States.
Ethiopian-Born Melat Kiros Becomes First Gen Z Woman in Congress
Melat Kiros, 29, made history in Colorado by becoming the first Gen Z woman elected to the US Congress.
Born in Ethiopia, Kiros moved to the United States as a baby and grew up in Denver. She had never held elected office before defeating a 15-term incumbent in the Democratic primary for Colorado’s 1st Congressional District.
She subsequently secured a landslide victory in Tuesday’s midterm election.
Her campaign focused on issues affecting younger progressive voters, including the cost of living, universal childcare and Medicare for All.
Endorsed by the Democratic Socialists of America, Kiros also called for the abolition of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and an end to US military aid to Israel.
Kiros Faces Controversy Over Criticism of Israel
Kiros attracted criticism over her outspoken opposition to Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. She has maintained that her criticism is directed at the Israeli state rather than Jewish people.
Her position on the issue previously affected her legal career. In 2023, she was dismissed from a leading New York law firm after refusing to withdraw an open letter addressing several law firms that had called on law school deans to take action against antisemitism during pro-Palestinian student protests.
Kiros condemned antisemitism but argued that the firms should not confuse prejudice against Jewish people with disagreements over Israel’s political legitimacy.
She said the experience of being dismissed prompted her to consider becoming more involved in politics.
Ghanaian-American Adrian Boafo Wins Maryland Congressional Seat
Adrian Boafo, a 32-year-old politician whose parents immigrated from Ghana, has won Maryland’s 5th Congressional District.
The second-generation Ghanaian-American will replace veteran Democrat Steny Hoyer, who is retiring after more than 40 years in political office.
Boafo was born in Virginia and raised in Prince George’s County, Maryland. He began his political career in local government, serving on the Bowie City Council before becoming a Maryland state delegate in 2023.
He also previously worked for Hoyer before launching his campaign to succeed him.
Boafo focused on the cost of living, childcare and protecting federal workers, an important issue in a district near Washington DC that is home to thousands of government employees.
In his victory statement, he said representing his constituents had “never felt more urgent”, citing federal job cuts, rising living expenses and the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown.
Ilhan Omar Wins Fifth Congressional Term Amid Federal Investigation
Somali-born Democratic congresswoman Ilhan Omar has secured a fifth term in the US House of Representatives despite an ongoing federal investigation.
Federal agents searched her home in Washington in October as part of an inquiry into her immigration paperwork. Omar has denied wrongdoing and has not been charged with a crime.
First elected in 2018, she became the first Somali-American and one of the first Muslim women to serve in Congress.
Omar has frequently been criticised by President Trump, who has repeatedly targeted her and other Somali immigrants in his public remarks.
Trump has also previously used derogatory language when referring to some African countries, including Somalia. In October, his Yemeni-born adviser Amer Ghalib said the president would refrain from using such language.
Nigerian-Rooted Politicians Secure State-Level Election Victories
Several candidates with Nigerian heritage also won seats during the midterm elections, extending the gains beyond the US Congress.
Junior Ezeonu, who was born in Nigeria and moved to the United States as a young child, won a seat in the Texas State House at the age of 27.
Before his election, Ezeonu had become the youngest city council member in Grand Prairie, Texas.
Carol Kazeem, 34, a Pennsylvania state legislator of Nigerian heritage, also retained her seat representing District 159.
At least four candidates with Nigerian heritage won elections held on 3 November.
Election Victories Attract Attention Across Africa
The successes of politicians with African roots have attracted attention among social media users across the continent, particularly in Nigeria and Kenya.
Some young Africans have shared the results as an example of the political representation achieved by a new generation of voters and candidates.
The victories came during the US midterm elections, which take place halfway through a president’s four-year term.
The elections determine representation in Congress as well as thousands of positions in state and local governments.
