Democrat Abdul El-Sayed has won Michigan’s US Senate race, defeating former Republican lawmaker Mike Rogers and becoming the first Muslim elected to the US Senate, according to US television networks.

“Michigan, we did it!” El-Sayed declared at his victory celebration in Detroit, where hundreds of supporters gathered to celebrate.

“I am so proud and honoured to stand here as your senator-elect from the great state of Michigan,” the 42-year-old said.

El-Sayed secured the victory despite a late campaign setback when Democratic Congresswoman Haley Stevens, whom he defeated in the party primary, endorsed Rogers shortly before election day.

A former medical administrator, El-Sayed campaigned on progressive promises, including universal healthcare, reducing the influence of money in politics and tackling the rising cost of living.

He replaces retiring Democratic Senator Gary Peters and held a lead of nearly six percentage points over Rogers when US networks called the race.

His campaign attracted large crowds across Michigan, including in traditionally Republican areas, while drawing support from labour unions, activists and younger voters.

Republicans had launched a fierce campaign against El-Sayed, portraying him as a radical and questioning his patriotism. He also faced Islamophobic attacks and mockery over his Arabic name from President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance.

Addressing Vance during his victory speech, El-Sayed said the vice president was constitutionally obligated to swear him into office in January.

The victory came amid a strong showing by Democrats in several races, prompting jubilant supporters at El-Sayed’s headquarters to chant: “Tsunami! Tsunami!”

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is expanding support for women and girls across Afghanistan through healthcare, cash assistance, vocational training and economic empowerment programs.

In a report titled “Afghanistan: Supporting Women and Girls to Thrive Despite Challenges,” the organization highlighted efforts to improve maternal health, combat malnutrition and create economic opportunities for vulnerable women.

In partnership with the Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS), the ICRC provides six months of cash assistance and nutrition guidance to pregnant and breastfeeding women. The program reached 1,400 women across four provinces in 2026.

The organization also supports 47 ARCS healthcare centers, which provided more than 800,000 outpatient consultations for women between June 2025 and July 2026. Services included more than 980 deliveries, 111,000 antenatal consultations and 39,000 postnatal consultations.

Economic empowerment is another focus, with 437 women and girls with disabilities receiving vocational training and 101 benefiting from interest-free loans during the same period. More than 33,800 also received physiotherapy, while over 12,600 benefited from prosthetic and mobility devices.

Additional programs include financial assistance for female-headed households, emergency medical training for female healthcare workers and awareness campaigns on explosive hazards, which have reached around 260,000 women and girls.

The ICRC says its initiatives aim to help women and girls access essential services, strengthen their independence and build more secure futures despite ongoing challenges.