Progressive challenger Abdul El-Sayed faces establishment Democrat Haley Stevens in Michigan Senate primary
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Former health official Abdul El-Sayed and Rep. Haley Stevens are competing for the Democratic nomination to succeed retiring Sen. Gary Peters, a race that could shape the party’s direction and impact the upcoming midterm elections.
Michigan voters are choosing between former Wayne County health director Abdul El-Sayed and Rep. Haley Stevens in the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate seat held by retiring Sen. Gary Peters. El-Sayed, who would become the first Muslim senator if elected, runs on a platform that includes Medicare-for-All, abolition of ICE and criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza. He has declined PAC money and is supported by progressive figures such as Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Stevens, backed by the party establishment including Peters, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, emphasizes her electoral experience and positions herself as the more electable candidate.
"I am the best Democrat to go forward. I am the only person in this race who has won tough primaries multiple times," Stevens told Fox News Digital.
"If you need $70 million to come in here and help get you elected, then the question has to be, are you actually electable on your own terms," El-Sayed said.
The contest has become the most expensive Democratic Senate nomination in history, with over $80 million spent, much of it by outside groups supporting Stevens and opposing El-Sayed, including a political action committee linked to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee. The winner will face Republican Rep. Mike Rogers, a Trump-backed candidate, in the November general election.
Both campaigns argue that a united Democratic front will be essential to retain the seat, which is viewed as critical for the party’s chances to maintain its Senate numbers in the 2026 midterms.