“Michigan, we did it!” El-Sayed told hundreds of supporters at his election headquarters in Detroit, where crowds celebrated the victory.

“I am so proud and honoured to stand here as your senator-elect from the great state of Michigan,” he said.

El-Sayed secured the victory despite a last-minute setback in his campaign when Congresswoman Haley Stevens, who had lost the Democratic primary to him, endorsed Republican candidate Mike Rogers.

The 42-year-old former medical administrator campaigned on progressive policies, including universal healthcare, and won a key Senate seat previously held by retiring Democrat Gary Peters.

El-Sayed held a lead of nearly six percentage points over Rogers when US television networks called the race.

Supporters celebrated the result in Detroit, with many crediting the campaign’s grassroots mobilisation and strong voter turnout.

Trunetta Roach, a 75-year-old entrepreneur who attended the victory party, said she was pleased that young voters had turned out despite concerns about their engagement in the election.

Healthcare and economic concerns at the centre of campaign

El-Sayed focused his campaign on healthcare access, the rising cost of living and reducing the influence of money in politics.

He promised to help voters struggling with the high costs of America's private healthcare system.

“You deserve to be able to see a doctor without getting a huge bill,” he told Michigan voters on the eve of the election.

He also pledged to challenge the influence of wealthy donors and address economic difficulties that have increased public demand for political change.

Throughout the campaign, El-Sayed attracted large crowds across Michigan, including in traditionally Republican areas.

His campaign received support from labour unions, activists and progressive organisations, which helped mobilise voters across the state.

Eboni Taylor, a vice-president at Higher Heights, an organisation that supports Black women seeking elected office, said El-Sayed had reached communities that were not traditionally considered Democratic strongholds.

Islamophobic attacks during campaign

El-Sayed also faced Islamophobic attacks and criticism over his Arabic name during the campaign. President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance were among those who mocked or targeted him.

Republican campaign messaging also attempted to portray Democrats as communists and labelled El-Sayed a “terrorist”, claims his supporters rejected.

In his victory speech, El-Sayed addressed Vice President Vance, saying he was constitutionally required to administer his oath of office in January.

His election also makes him the first Democratic doctor elected to the Senate since 1969.