Democrat Abdul El-Sayed has expressed excitement over his projected victory in Michigan’s midterm election, saying he was “so proud and honoured” to emerge as senator-elect.
El-Sayed, who defeated former Republican Representative Mike Rogers, made history as the first Muslim elected to the United States Senate on Tuesday.
Speaking to supporters on Tuesday night in a video shared by Fox News, the 42-year-old Egyptian-American reflected on his repeated use of the Islamic expression “Inshallah”, meaning “God willing”, during his campaign.
He said, “My name is Abdulrahman Mohamed Sayed, and I am so proud and honoured to stand here as your senator-elect from the great state of Michigan.
“Up until right about now, you might have noticed I always say Inshallah or God willing whenever the outcome of this race was mentioned.
“But today, tonight, we can turn that Inshallah into Alhamdulillah.”
Alhamdulillah is an Arabic expression meaning “praise be to God”.
According to Anadolu Agency, El-Sayed’s victory, projected by US media on Tuesday, secured the seat being vacated by retiring Democratic Senator Gary Peters.
The 42-year-old former public health official will assume office when the new Congress convenes in January.
His emergence followed a competitive Democratic primary in August, where he defeated Representative Haley Stevens to secure his party’s ticket for the general election.
His election marks a milestone for Muslim representation in American politics.
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