Abdul El-Sayed is projected to win the Michigan Democratic Senate primary after a bitter fight over the party’s direction and Israel policy.
Abdul El-Sayed is projected to win the Michigan Democratic Senate primary, a result that hands a victory to the left flank of the party after a hard-fought contest over the Michigan Senate primary and the Democrats’ future direction. The former public health official is expected to defeat moderate four-term congresswoman Haley Stevens, according to CBS News, the BBC’s US partner.
El-Sayed built his campaign around a sharply progressive message. He backed universal healthcare, called for abolishing US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and urged an end to unconditional US military aid to Israel. His run drew support from prominent left-wing figures, including Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders and New York City congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
Stevens, 43, took a different path. She presented herself as a centrist who could appeal to voters uneasy about either party heading into November. She pledged to protect manufacturing jobs in Michigan and won endorsements from Governor Gretchen Whitmer and outgoing Senator Gary Peters.
The clash between the two candidates was especially sharp on Israel. El-Sayed criticized US involvement in the Middle East and opposed aid to Israel without conditions. Stevens stood firmly behind Israel and supported continuing US aid without conditions. That divide became one of the defining issues of the race and reflected broader tensions inside the Democratic Party.
“Abdul El-Sayed is projected to win the Michigan Democratic Senate primary after a bitter fight over the party’s direction and Israel policy.”
After a bruising campaign, El-Sayed signaled an interest in closing ranks even before the result was known. Speaking to supporters on Tuesday night, he said Democrats needed to unite to stop Republican Mike Rogers from reaching the US Senate. Rogers is a Trump ally and would be El-Sayed’s opponent in November if the primary win is confirmed.
The Michigan race carries added weight because the Senate seat is open and the state remains one of the country’s most important battlegrounds. Michigan has not elected a Republican senator since 1994, yet it voted for Joe Biden in 2020 and Donald Trump in 2024. That makes the coming Senate contest a test of whether Democrats can hold a seat in a state that keeps swinging at the presidential level.
El-Sayed would also make history if he wins in November. The son of Egyptian immigrants would become the first Muslim US senator, a milestone that would add another layer of significance to a race already shaped by ideology, foreign policy, and the fight for control of Washington in President Trump’s final two years in office. For American voters, the Michigan Senate primary is a reminder that the battle for Congress is still being decided in the nation’s closest states.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Abdul El-Sayed?
He is a former public health official and left-wing political outsider who is projected to win the Michigan Democratic Senate primary.
Who did El-Sayed defeat in the primary?
He is expected to beat four-term Democratic congresswoman Haley Stevens, who ran as a moderate.
What were the main issues in the race?
The candidates split sharply on Israel, with El-Sayed opposing unconditional aid and Stevens supporting it. They also offered different visions for Michigan and the country.
Why does this Senate race matter?
Michigan is a crucial swing state, and the seat is open after a Democratic retirement. The outcome will help shape control of the Senate in Washington.
We value your privacy 🍪We use cookies for essential features and, if you allow it, to send you a notification whenever we publish a new story. See our Privacy Policy.
📨
Never Miss a Story
Get the headlines that matter delivered straight to your inbox.
📱 On iPhone: tap the Share icon, choose “Add to Home Screen”, then open TheTrueDefender from your Home Screen and tap 🔔 to turn on notifications. (Apple only allows notifications for saved web apps.)
🔔
Never miss a breaking storyGet free alerts the moment big US news breaks.
1Tap the ••• menu at the bottom of the screen, then tap Share(in Safari, just tap Share in the bottom bar directly)2Scroll down the menu and tap Add to Home Screen3Tap Add in the top-right corner4Open TheTrueDefender from your Home Screen, then tap 🔔 Subscribe and choose Allow
📱 Add TheTrueDefender to your home screen for one-tap access.
