Abdul El-Sayed, a 42-year-old epidemiologist and former Detroit health commissioner, has won a Senate seat in Michigan, becoming the first Muslim senator in United States history. His path to power included a unique connection to the UK: he studied at Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar and was known for organising regular dinners at Nando's for fellow scholars.
From Michigan to Oxford and Back
After graduating from the University of Michigan and being lauded by former President Bill Clinton, El-Sayed was awarded the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship, which allowed him to study and live in Oxford in 2009. During his time there, he recalled meeting some of the world's 'most brilliant people'.
His UK ties created an awkward moment when he told a Sky News reporter that they had 'no viewers' shortly before the election, instead opting to answer American reporters' questions. Soon after, he won his election.
Progressive Campaign and Endorsements
El-Sayed ran as a progressive, campaigned hard on Medicare for All, and was endorsed by Bernie Sanders before winning his seat during the highly contested midterm elections. Former President Barack Obama also campaigned for him.
'There is no world in which I get to run for office without President Obama. He got a funny name, I got a funny name,' El-Sayed said.
Racism and Response
The son of Egyptian immigrants, El-Sayed was born and raised in the United States and faced intense racism during his campaign. At one point, President Donald Trump referred to him as 'Abdullah bah bah bah bah Mohamed,' to which El-Sayed replied: 'If you can't say the name, keep the name out of your damn mouth.'
During one rally, a reporter asked him: 'You previously criticised President Obama. Why are you campaigning with him?' El-Sayed replied: 'Do you love your dad? Do you agree with everything your dad has ever done? It's a normal thing to love somebody, to really appreciate all that they've done, and to say, 'Hey, here are some things I would have done differently.' But they still did some important things to create opportunity for you.'
