(Washington, D.C., 7/5/2026) – The US Council of Muslim Organizations (USCMO),the nation’s largest umbrella organization for national, regional, and local Muslim organizations, recognizes the historic significance of Dr. Abdul El-Sayed securing the Democratic nomination for the United States Senate in Michigan.
By advancing to the November 3 general election, Dr. El-Sayed moves one step closer to potentially becoming the first Muslim ever elected to the United States Senate. The milestone reflects far more than the outcome of a single campaign. It represents years of voter education, community organizing, public service, and civic participation that have helped Muslim Americans claim their rightful place in the nation’s democratic life.
A MILESTONE BUILT THROUGH COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Across Michigan and throughout the country, Muslim Americans have worked for decades to register voters, educate communities, build civic institutions, advocate on the issues, and encourage qualified leaders to enter public service. This primary result stands as a powerful reminder of what becomes possible when communities refuse political invisibility and choose sustained participation instead.
“This moment reflects years of work by voters, organizers, advocates, families, and community institutions that understood our voices belong in every part of American public life,” said USCMO Secretary General Oussama Jammal. “Muslim Americans are not spectators in our democracy. We are voters, neighbors, organizers, professionals, and public servants with both the right and the responsibility to help shape the future of the country we call home.”
Jammal continued: “A healthy democracy is not threatened by greater representation; it is strengthened by it. When public institutions more fully reflect the people they serve, participation expands, trust grows, and the nation moves closer to its democratic ideals. Every young person who sees a path into public service because of this moment is part of its significance.”
MUSLIM AMERICAN CIVIC PARTICIPATION CONTINUES TO GROW
The data reflect a community that is becoming more organized, more engaged, and more visible in American civic life. According to the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding’s 2025 American Muslim Poll, 85 percent of Muslims who were legally eligible to vote reported being registered, placing Muslim voter registration on par with most other major religious groups in the United States.
Representation in public office has also expanded. A 2023 national directory compiled by CAIR and JETPAC identified 235 Muslim elected officials and judges serving across 30 states, an increase of 46 officials from the previous year. Michigan ranked second in the nation with 36 Muslim officials and judges, while 95 of the officials identified nationwide were women.
These figures represent decades of patient, determined work. They also demonstrate that Muslim American political participation is not a temporary reaction to one election cycle. It is an enduring commitment to service, accountability, justice, and the well-being of the nation.
REPRESENTATION STRENGTHENS THE NATION
Greater representation does not divide America. It is evidence that democracy is functioning as it should. When Americans from historically underrepresented faiths, races, ethnicities, and communities are able to compete for office, engage voters, earn public trust, and serve their neighbors, the nation becomes more representative and more responsive.
Muslim Americans have long contributed to the United States as physicians, educators, business owners, members of the armed forces, nonprofit leaders, advocates, first responders, and public officials. Their growing presence in elected office is a continuation of that record of service.
USCMO also recognizes the thousands of Michigan residents who participated in the primary, registered and educated voters, attended candidate forums, volunteered in their communities, offered transportation to polling locations, and encouraged their families and neighbors to cast a ballot. Their work demonstrates that democratic participation is built not only by candidates, but by ordinary people choosing to show up.
THE WORK CONTINUES BEYOND ONE ELECTION
The primary is one stage of a continuing democratic process. USCMO encourages every eligible voter, regardless of party affiliation or candidate preference, to prepare for the November 3 general election by confirming their registration, learning about every candidate and issue on the ballot, and making a clear plan to vote.
Civic engagement must extend beyond Election Day. It includes communicating with elected officials, participating in local institutions, advocating for principled public policy, supporting community organizations, and holding every public servant accountable to the people.
Our community’s progress was not given to us. It was built vote by vote, meeting by meeting, institution by institution, and generation by generation. Let this historic moment deepen Muslim American civic participation, inspire more people to enter public service, and strengthen our shared commitment to a democracy in which every community can be seen, heard, and represented.
USCMO is a nonpartisan nonprofit organization and does not endorse or oppose any candidate or political party. This statement recognizes the broader civic and representational significance of the primary result and encourages continued, informed participation by voters of all political perspectives.
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