More Indian than Arab: US's 1st Muslim senator Abdul El-Sayed on his desi connect

Abdul El-Sayed's historic win in Michigan in the US midterms has renewed attention on his Indian ties. His wife's family traces its roots to Karnataka. In an old podcast, Abdul opens up about his family and fondness for desi culture.Democratic US Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed and his wife, Dr. Sarah JukakuNew Delhi,Nov 6, 2026 11:34 ISTDemocrat Abdul El-Sayed's election as the first Muslim member of the US Senate, which perhaps broke the thickest of glass ceilings in American politics, has brought renewed attention to his Indian connection. While Abdul was born to Egyptian immigrants, his wife's family traces its roots to Bhatkal, a coastal town in Karnataka. Now, an old podcast clip has surfaced in which he opened up about his Indian connection and fondness for desi culture.Speaking in the podcast with Exxodus Pictures, titled 'Meet the real Abdul El-Sayed', the senator-elect underscored how two decades of his marriage had made him familiar with Indian culture. "I have been married to a South Indian family for 20 years. I might be more Indian than Arab," Abdul quipped. After a pause, he added jokingly, "Everybody likes desis more than Arabs".US GETS FIRST MUSLIM SENATORThe Democrat scripted history after defeating Republican Mike Rogers in Michigan during the midterm elections, marking a significant moment for Muslim representation in American politics. The elections proved to be a setback for President Donald Trump of epic proportions as the Democrats seized control of both chambers of the US Congress.Abdul, a physician and epidemiologist, is married to Dr Sarah Jukaku, who was seen during the victory night celebrations on Wednesday. Sarah was born into an Indian-immigrant Muslim family with roots in Karnataka's Bhatkal, around 450 km from the capital, Bengaluru. Her family has a notable political legacy in the South Indian state. Sarah's grandfather, Jukaku Shamshuddin, served as the deputy finance minister in the erstwhile Mysore State under then Chief Minister BD Jatti (1958-1962). Jatti would later go on to become the acting president and the vice president of India.Some reports also credited Shamshuddin as being the first lawyer from Bhatkal and for bringing electricity to the region. Sarah is the daughter of Dr Tayeb Jukaku, a nephrologist, who migrated to the US after completing his MBBS in Bengaluru. Her father was also associated with the Islamic Society of North America.Sarah met Abdul at the University of Michigan. The couple married in May 2006 and have two daughters, Emmalee and Serene. Â Abdul El-Sayed scripted history by defeating Republican Mike Rogers in Michigan (AP) ABDUL EL-SAYED ON INDIA, MARRIAGEIn the podcast, which was released in August, Abdul also reflected on his experiences of his visits to India. Abdul said he had come to appreciate the patience ingrained in Indian culture."I am an honorary Indian. There is a patience in Indian culture that I really appreciated when I went to India... You are surrounded by a billion people. Nothing gets done quickly," Abdul said.He also reflected on the differences between Arab cultures. Abdul said the Arab world was not culturally homogeneous, and Egyptian culture had its own distinct character."There is Arab culture, and there are sub-Arab cultures. Egyptian culture is very particular. We are very exuberant people," he said.Abdul last visited Bhatkal for a cousin's wedding more than a decade ago, according to an NDTV report. His in-laws remember him as someone who is warm and approachable.The US senator-elect also opened up about his marriage, recalling how one of his uncles from Egypt reacted when he disclosed to his family about Sarah."When I told my family about Sarah, one of my uncles from Egypt said, 'There are 80 million Egyptians, and you went and married an Indian woman?'" Abdul said."I replied, 'Amu (uncle in Arabic), there are a billion of them, so statistically speaking, this was a high probability'," he said in the podcast.He also joked that he has been surrounded by "desi women" throughout his life. "I am surrounded by desi women my whole life. Like, I have two desi daughters and a desi wife," he said.Speaking about his daughters' identities, Abdul underlined that they were ethnically half Indian and half Egyptian, but "100% American".The free-wheeling conversation offers a glimpse into the cultural connection Abdul has developed with India through his marriage. You can view the full podcast here. JABS AT TRUMP, JD VANCEIn his election-night address to supporters, Abdul El-Sayed delivered an impassioned speech embracing his Muslim identity. "Michigan, we did it! My name is Abdulrahman Mohamed El-Sayed," he declared, introducing himself by his full name.He also took potshots at Trump and Vice President JD Vance, who had previously called him a "radical extremist". "JD, habibi, there is this delicious irony in the fact that you are constitutionally obligated to swear me in," he said.It was followed by a sharp jab at Trump. "Donald, I know you struggle with my name. So after JD swears me in, you can just go on and call me Senator," Abdul said.He will be sworn in with the new senators in January 2027.- Ends