Pakistan, Nov. 5 -- Democrat Abdul El-Sayed became the first Muslim elected to the US Senate after defeating former Republican Representative Mike Rogers in Michigan's closely watched race Tuesday, holding onto a crucial Democratic-held seat, according to projections by US media.

El-Sayed, a medical doctor and former public health official, won a competitive Democratic primary to run for the seat vacated by retiring Senator Gary Peters.

His historic victory came after a contentious campaign in which his Muslim faith became a central issue, with President Donald Trump and other Republicans repeatedly attacking him over his religious background.

El-Sayed rejected allegations linking him to extremism.

The victory also comes in a state na...