Michigan race: All you need to know about Abdul El-Sayed v Mike Rogers

Key Points:

• The Michigan US Senate race between Democrat Abdul El-Sayed and Republican Mike Rogers has drawn significant national and international attention due to its political symbolism and potential impact on the Senate balance and progressive policies.
• El-Sayed, a public health advocate of Egyptian descent and the first Muslim Senate candidate, supports progressive policies like Medicare for All and has criticized Israel's actions in Gaza, leading to intense opposition from pro-Israel groups such as AIPAC, which has heavily funded Rogers.
• Rogers, a former congressman and Trump ally, supports tax cuts, increased energy production, and unconditional support for Israel, while trying to distance himself somewhat from Trump; the race is seen as crucial for Republicans to gain Senate control.
• The campaign has been marked by religious and ethnic tensions, with El-Sayed facing Islamophobic attacks and criticism from within the Democratic Party, including from primary rival Haley Stevens, whose fiancé endorsed Rogers over El-Sayed due to Israel policy disagreements.
• With nearly $300 million spent, Michigan's race is one of the most expensive, and polls show a narrow lead for El-Sayed, but the outcome remains uncertain; early voting is underway with results expected shortly after polls close on November 3.