Michigan Senate primary pits centrist Stevens against progressive El-Sayed
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In Michigan's open Senate race, moderate congresswoman Haley Stevens faces left-wing challenger Abdul El-Sayed in a primary that could signal the direction of the Democratic Party ahead of the 2026 midterms.
Michigan voters went to the polls on Tuesday to choose the Democratic nominee for the state’s open Senate seat, a contest that pitted four-term congresswoman Haley Stevens, backed by party establishment figures, against former public-health official Abdul El-Sayed, who has drawn support from progressive leaders. The winner will face Republican Trump ally Mike Rogers in the November general election, a race Democrats view as crucial for maintaining control of the Senate.
Stevens, 43, has secured endorsements from Governor Gretchen Whitmer and retiring Senator Gary Peters, and has emphasized her experience, manufacturing-job protection, and electability against Rogers. A campaign spokesperson told the BBC the congresswoman would "fight for all Michiganders from every zip code to lower costs, protect manufacturing jobs, and take on Donald Trump's corruption and abuses of power."
El-Sayed, 41, the son of Egyptian immigrants, would become the first Muslim U.S. senator if elected. He is endorsed by Senators Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and has campaigned on Medicare for All, a billionaire tax, and ending ICE. He told the BBC that a Democratic Party more focused on everyday concerns would be "fighting on the same policies" he advocates.
The primary highlighted a split within the party over policy and strategy. Some voters expressed concern that progressive positions could hinder the party’s chances in a swing state that voted for Joe Biden in 2020 but for Donald Trump in 2024. "This may not be the moment for progressives," said Colleen Houlihan, a 74-year-old voter, adding that an "electable candidate" is needed to regain power.
The race also touched on foreign-policy differences, with El-Sayed criticizing U.S. aid to Israel and questioning the influence of pro-Israel groups, while Stevens affirmed unconditional support for Israel and has faced criticism from Israeli officials for her remarks about Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Political analyst Larry Sabato noted that both candidates will need to appeal to Michigan’s sizable Jewish and Arab communities, which have historically played a decisive role in statewide elections.