A former Michigan public health official and Democratic candidate for governor entered the race Thursday for the state’s open U.S. Senate seat. Abdul El-Sayed, 40, is the second Democrat to put his name in the running in what could be one of the most watched races in the 2026 midterm elections.

A former Michigan public health official is launching a bid to represent the state in the U.S. Senate as the 2026 race for control of the chamber takes shape.

Dr. Abdul El-Sayed of Ann Arbor has announced his candidacy for Michigan's U.S. Senate seat in the 2026 election. El-Sayed is entering what is expected to be a crowded race, with current Senator Gary Peters stepping down at the end of the current term.