Abdul El Sayed’s victory in Michigan has brought the United States closer to electing its first Muslim senator. A physician and former public health administrator, Mr El Sayed believes political and economic systems directly affect people’s health. Mr El Sayed argues that medical treatment and secure housing should be rights rather than privileges. Mr El Sayed has described Israel’s actions there as “genocide” and has opposed American military assistance and weapons sales to Israel. Mr El Sayed won by only about one percentage point and performed less strongly in many rural and working class areas.