Washington: Americans will vote in the US midterm elections on Tuesday, November 3, with control of Congress at stake. Among the closely watched contests is Michigan’s Senate race, where Democrat Abdul El-Sayed could become the first Muslim elected to the US Senate.
El-Sayed, the son of Egyptian immigrants, holds a narrow lead over Republican Mike Rogers in several recent polls. A victory would mark a historic milestone for Muslim representation in American politics.
All 435 House seats, 35 Senate seats and 36 governorships are at stake. Republicans currently control both chambers of Congress. Democrats need a net gain of four Senate seats to secure a majority, while the House contest remains central to their hopes of checking President Donald Trump’s administration.
National polling has favoured Democrats in the House contest. However, the Senate remains competitive, with several closely fought races likely to determine its control.
El-Sayed, who turned 42 on October 31, grew up in Michigan and studied at Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar. He also earned a medical degree from Columbia University and previously headed Detroit’s health department. From 2022 to 2025, he led Wayne County’s health and human services department.
After defeating Haley Stevens in the August 4 Democratic primary, El-Sayed now faces Rogers for the seat being vacated by Senator Gary Peters.
Recent surveys have given El-Sayed a modest advantage. A Mitchell Research poll conducted for CBS Detroit placed him at 51 per cent against Rogers’ 44 per cent. Meanwhile, the RealClearPolling average showed El-Sayed ahead by 3.5 percentage points. However, the race remains competitive. <Cite refs={[“turn693501search6″,”turn693501search9”]}/>
El-Sayed supports Medicare for All, stronger labour protections and restrictions on corporate influence in politics. He has also opposed US military assistance to Israel, making foreign policy a prominent issue in his campaign.
The contest has attracted national attention, with Trump and Vice-President J D Vance criticising his political positions. Meanwhile, disagreements within the Democratic Party over Israel have complicated the final days of his campaign. <Cite refs={[“turn693501news36″,”turn693501news37”]}/>
US midterm elections hold significance for Indian-Americans
The elections also carry political significance for Indian-Americans. Several Indian-origin candidates are contesting important races, while the community’s representation in Congress could change.
The Indian-American congressional group, commonly called the Samosa Caucus, faces possible changes following primary defeats involving Raja Krishnamoorthi and Shri Thanedar. Meanwhile, physician Amish Shah is contesting Arizona’s 1st Congressional District.
In Ohio, Indian-origin Republican Vivek Ramaswamy faces Democrat Amy Acton in the governor’s race. The contest has attracted attention because of Ramaswamy’s national political profile.
Muslim-American political representation is another focus of the elections. Dozens of Muslim candidates are contesting across the country, including incumbent House members Ilhan Omar, Rashida Tlaib and Andre Carson.
For Indian families, particularly those in Hyderabad with relatives studying or working in America, the results could have practical implications.
Indian nationals account for a substantial majority of H-1B visa approvals. The Trump administration’s $100,000 fee on certain new H-1B petitions has also created uncertainty among employers and prospective workers.
Meanwhile, proposals affecting Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows eligible international students to work after graduation, remain a concern for Indian students.
A Democratic majority in the House could increase congressional scrutiny of immigration policies. However, Congress cannot directly overturn presidential executive orders without following the legislative process.
Voting will begin closing in parts of the United States early Wednesday morning, Indian time. The first polling stations are scheduled to close around 4.30 am IST, while Michigan’s results may begin emerging after 6.30 am.
The outcome will determine the balance of power in Washington for the remaining two years of Trump’s presidential term. It could also produce a historic breakthrough if El-Sayed wins Michigan’s closely contested Senate race.
