Radical Progressive Abdul El-Sayed Threatens Mainstream Democrat Haley Stevens in Michigan Senate Primary
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Former health official Abdul El-Sayed, known for his far-left positions, and establishment Democrat Rep. Haley Stevens are battling for the Democratic nomination to succeed retiring Sen. Gary Peters, a race that could push the party further left and impact the midterm elections.
Michigan voters are being asked to choose between far-left activist and former Wayne County health director Abdul El-Sayed and establishment Democrat 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, is running on a radical platform that includes government-run healthcare (Medicare-for-All), abolishing ICE, and harsh criticism of America’s ally Israel over its actions in Gaza. He has refused PAC money but is backed by extreme progressives like Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Stevens, supported by the Democratic establishment—Peters, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer—emphasizes her experience and claims she is 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, highlighting her record.
"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, attacking the resources needed to counter his radicalism.
This contest has become the most expensive Democratic Senate nomination in history, with over $80 million spent—much of it by outside groups trying to prevent El-Sayed’s far-left agenda, including a PAC linked to the pro-Israel AIPAC. The winner will face Republican Rep. Mike Rogers, a strong Trump ally, in the November general election.
Both campaigns agree that Democrats must unite to keep the seat, which is critical for their hopes of holding the Senate in the 2026 midterms and preventing further radicalization of the party.