Reuters World News El-Sayed, midterms firsts and global reactions
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Nov 4, 2026 
Mark Bendike, Reuters World News’ global managing editor, and Michael Learmonth, who covers Congress and U.S. justice, explore a night of political firsts. Abdul El-Sayed’s historic Senate win takes center stage, alongside landmark victories across the country, Texas’s Democratic shift and the wide-open 2028 race. They also examine possible consequences for Iran, Israel and Ukraine, plus Wall Street’s reaction.
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El-Sayed Makes Senate History In Michigan
- Abdul El-Sayed won Michigan’s open Senate seat, becoming the first Muslim elected to the U.S. Senate.
- The 42-year-old former public health official defeated Trump-backed Republican Mike Rogers despite attacks alleging Muslim Brotherhood ties, which Democrats called Islamophobic.
Midterms Deliver A Wave Of Political Firsts
- The midterms produced several historic breakthroughs across both parties and multiple states.
- Victors included the first Black woman governor, first openly gay male senator, first Black Republican governor, and first elected Latino and Latina governors.
Affordability Will Shape An Open 2028 Race
- The 2028 presidential race will be unusually open because Trump cannot run again and there will be no incumbent.
- Michael Learmonth identified affordability as voters’ top concern, but warned Democrats may struggle to deliver meaningful price relief because many causes lie beyond their control.