American politician and senator from Michigan
Democrat Abdul El-Sayed has won Michigan’s US Senate race, becoming the first Muslim elected to the Senate. He defeated Republican Mike Rogers, despite aggressive attacks on his faith, and pledges to address healthcare and economic concerns while pushing for a more inclusive democracy.
The Independent reports that Donald Trump remains fixated on renovations, monuments and Iran, with insiders warning this focus undermines his party’s midterm prospects. Polls show broad discontent with his leadership, while GOP candidates seek to defend the party’s Senate chances as competition tightens.
South Carolina has held a special Republican primary to replace the late Sen. Lindsey Graham and has produced a runoff. Darline Graham and Rep. Ralph Norman have advanced; Rep. Russell Fry finished a close third. The Aug. 25 runoff will almost certainly decide the GOP nominee who will face Democrat Annie Andrews in November.
Senators have reached a bipartisan deal to streamline federal energy permitting, accelerating infrastructure projects while preserving environmental safeguards. The measure would require large data centers to cover transmission costs and would overhaul major environmental reviews. Supporters say the pact unlocks faster, cheaper energy expansion; opponents warn of concessions to fossil interests. The White House backs quick passage as midterms loom.
President Trump has intensified claims linking Abdul El-Sayed to extremism at campaign events in Port Huron, portraying him as a security threat and warning that a hypothetical El-Sayed victory would threaten American traditions. The remarks, part of a broader effort to mobilize Republican voters ahead of the midterms, follow prior accusations without evidence of ties to extremist groups.
Haley Stevens has endorsed Mike Rogers, a Trump-backed Republican, for the U.S. Senate after a bitter primary feuded with Abdul El-Sayed. The move comes days before the Michigan midterm and upends Democratic efforts to unite behind El-Sayed in a tightly contested race.
Abdul El-Sayed has secured a U.S. Senate seat, becoming the first Muslim senator from the country. He has campaigned on Medicare for All, affordable housing and anti-corruption measures, while facing Islamophobic attacks from opponents. The Guardian, AP and BBC report his victory in Michigan, with reactions highlighting his historic win and its implications for American politics.
House Republicans have elected Rep. Jim Jordan (R‑Ohio) as their minority leader in a secret ballot, defeating Rep. Steve Scalise 106–73. Jordan has won backing from the party's conservative wing and will lead Republican messaging and oversight as the party moves into the House minority after heavy midterm losses.
The bid of Sen. Chris Van Hollen to challenge Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer has gained momentum, with supporters citing the need for new leadership and a sharper kitchen-table agenda. Schumer faces questions about staying on as leader as party divisions surface after recent elections.