The young politicians with African roots making history in the US midterms

It was an unlikely greeting to hear at a Democratic Party victory rally after the US midterm elections.

Abdul El-Sayed, 42, born to Egyptian immigrant parents, playfully addressed Vice-President JD Vance, who had campaigned against him but will now swear him into office in January as Michigan's new Senator.

The US-born Democrat spent much of his campaign fending off attacks from conservative media and President Donald Trump, who accused him of supporting the Muslim Brotherhood. El-Sayed rejected the allegations.

"My name is Abdul Rahman Mohammed El-Sayed," he said in an Egyptian Arabic accent to the cheering crowd at his victory rally. His Arabic Muslim name was a target for many of his opponents. He is set to become the first Muslim senator.

El-Sayed ran a social media-first campaign, with TikTok edits showing him speaking directly to young voters, tapping into Gen Z humour, and sporting friendship bracelets.

The former public health administrator's campaign centred on a progressive agenda, including Medicare for All, affordable housing and curbing corporate influence in politics. He has also been a vocal critic of US military aid to Israel.

But El-Sayed was not alone. From an Ethiopian-born Gen Z congresswoman to candidates with Nigerian heritage, several other politicians with African roots won in this year's midterms.

The elections, held halfway through a president's four-year term, decide who represents Americans in Congress, as well as in thousands of state and local offices.

Kaynak: BBC News World RSS (Açık Basın / Haber Servisi)