Abdul El-Sayed

Abdul El-Sayed

Democratic candidate for US Senate Abdul El-Sayed speaks during a Democratic unity rally in Detroit, Michigan, US, 7 August 2026; US Vice President JD Vance delivers remarks at a MAGA Inc. event in Sterling Heights, Michigan, US, 31 August 2026. Photo: Reuters

Republicans are making Muslims a campaign issue in the 2026 US midterms

Republicans are increasingly putting Muslims and Islam at the centre of US midterm campaigning, drawing accusations of Islamophobia as key races approach.

Abdul El-Sayed, winner of Michigan US Democratic primary, waits to speak during a press conference in Detroit, Michigan, US August 5, 2026. Photo: REUTERS/Rebecca Cook

After bitter primary, El-Sayed seeks to unite Democrats in must-win Michigan race

US Senate Democratic candidate Abdul El-Sayed speaks on stage, with vote counting continuing for Michigan's Democratic US Senate primary, during an election night rally in Detroit, Michigan, US, August 5, 2026. Photo: REUTERS/Rebecca Cook

Progressive El-Sayed wins Michigan Democratic Senate primary