AP Calls Michigan Senate Race for El-Sayed

The Associated Press called the Michigan U.S. Senate race for Abdul El-Sayed as Democrats moved toward majority control of both chambers of Congress.

Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Elections

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a deep red Michigan peninsula silhouette on a cream field with a blue Great Lakes band. — The Associated Press called the Michigan U.S. Senate race for Abdul El-Sayed early Wednesday as Democrats moved toward majority control of Congress. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you think the country is heading in the right direction?

The Associated Press called the Michigan U.S. Senate race for Abdul El-Sayed at 2:27 a.m. with 85% of expected votes counted statewide. The same overnight count also gave the 1st Congressional District seat to incumbent Republican Jack Bergman and the governor's race to Jocelyn Benson.

Why it matters

Michigan's Senate result is one of several races that helped Democrats secure majority control of the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives. For Michigan voters, the outcome determines the state's representation in Washington and the governor's office.

The Michigan Senate call was made with 85% of expected statewide votes counted, while the 1st District call came at 89% counted. Democrats held 224 House seats against 135 for Republicans at publication, with 76 seats still uncalled.

The players

Abdul El-Sayed

Abdul El-Sayed is the Democratic candidate who won the Michigan U.S. Senate race, as called by the Associated Press.

Jocelyn Benson

Jocelyn Benson is the Democratic candidate who won the Michigan gubernatorial race, as called by the Associated Press.

Jack Bergman

Jack Bergman is the Republican incumbent who retained the Michigan 1st Congressional District seat, as called by the Associated Press.

The details

The Associated Press called the Michigan Senate race at 2:27 a.m., the governor's race at 1:45 a.m., and the 1st District House race at 1:09 a.m. Vote counting in Delta County was 90% complete at publication.

2026-11-04 at 1:09 a.m. local time: AP called the Michigan 1st District race for Jack Bergman.
2026-11-04 at 1:45 a.m. local time: AP called the Michigan governor's race for Jocelyn Benson.
2026-11-04 at 2:27 a.m. local time: AP called the Michigan Senate race for Abdul El-Sayed.

Political Context

Michigan's Senate, House and governor results feed directly into the national tally that gave Democrats majority control of the U.S. Senate and House. Republicans retained the 1st District seat and won 42 Senate races nationally.

Michigan voters now have a confirmed U.S. Senator-elect, governor-elect and 1st District representative. Final results in the remaining local races and ballot proposals will continue to update as counties certify their totals.

The takeaway

Race calls made before every vote is counted can shift as late ballots are tallied, so readers should check certified results from state and county election officials before drawing final conclusions.