Michigan voters are heading to the polls today in a closely watched US Senate race that could determine control of the chamber and potentially elect the first Muslim senator, Abdul El-Sayed.

El-Sayed, the Democratic hopeful, faces a challenging election cycle, including what his campaign has described as last-minute Islamophobic attacks. His Republican opponent is Mike Rogers, a candidate endorsed by former President Donald Trump. The race is significant as Democrats aim to gain seats to regain control of the Senate.

A final New York Times/Siena poll indicated El-Sayed held an 11-point lead over Rogers heading into Election Day. Polling stations opened at 7 a.m. local time and will close at 8 p.m., with results potentially delayed if the margin is narrow.

Both candidates made a final appeal to voters on social media as voting commenced. El-Sayed shared a campaign video that included a message from former President Barack Obama, stating, "It’s time. It’s up to us to show the country what’s possible. The world is watching." Rogers, meanwhile, posted a video featuring supporters, with one calling El-Sayed an "extremist," and urged, "We have a state to save."

The seat is being vacated by retiring Democratic Senator Gary Peters. El-Sayed, born to Egyptian parents, previously served as the head of Detroit’s health department and has advocated for progressive policies like Medicare for All. His campaign has also been framed as a test of whether a progressive candidate critical of Israel can succeed in a swing state.

Rogers, a former congressman, is aiming for a return to the Senate after a close loss in a previous race. He is known as a close ally of former President Trump. The presence of election monitors from the US Department of Justice at polling stations across Michigan and all other states marks a historic first for US elections.

Democrats require a net gain of four seats in the midterm elections to secure a majority in the Senate, which is currently held by Republicans. This outcome would provide President Trump with a stronger legislative environment for his agenda.

The engagement from both campaigns on social media highlights the intense final hours of the election. The outcome in Michigan is seen as a crucial indicator of broader political trends and voter sentiment in key battleground states.