Progressive Democrat Abdul El-Sayed has defeated Republican Mike Rogers in Michigan's Senate race, becoming the first Muslim elected to the US Senate.

The son of Egyptian immigrants, El-Sayed is a former public health official who has never held elected office. He declared victory early Wednesday at a gathering of supporters in Detroit.

"You took a chance on the unlikeliest of candidates," he said, thanking voters for their support.

El-Sayed ran a grassroots campaign focused on universal healthcare, reducing the influence of outside money in elections and criticism of Israel. His victory marks a major breakthrough for the Democratic Party's progressive wing ahead of the 2028 presidential election.

His campaign received backing from prominent progressive figures, including Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Bernie Sanders.

The contest was marked by bitter exchanges over El-Sayed's criticism of Israel. Former President Donald Trump and other Republicans sought to link him to terrorist organisations without providing evidence and questioned his loyalty to the United States.

El-Sayed accused Republicans of running one of the ugliest campaigns in recent memory.

"They might have been pointing to my name and my faith, but we all know my name and my faith are not why you can't afford your gas," he said.

He secured the Democratic nomination in August after defeating establishment-backed Representative Haley Stevens in a costly primary that attracted nearly $60 million in outside spending. Pro-Israel lobby AIPAC spent almost $30 million opposing him.

Stevens endorsed Rogers two days before the election, exposing divisions within Democratic ranks. Former President Barack Obama and former Vice President Kamala Harris campaigned with El-Sayed in Detroit to encourage voter turnout.

El-Sayed's campaign centred on a progressive agenda, including Medicare for All, which would replace the existing private and public health insurance system with government-run coverage.

Rogers, a former congressman who narrowly lost a Senate race in 2024, struggled to balance his support for Trump with public concerns over rising fuel prices, tariffs and the war with Iran.

"The war with Iran needs to end, and end quickly," Rogers wrote on social media in September.

The seat became vacant after two-term Democratic Senator Gary Peters decided not to seek reelection.

In his victory speech, El-Sayed told Rogers to enjoy his retirement, saying, "You chose hate and Michigan chose hope."