Progressive candidate Abdul El-Sayed wins Michigan Democratic Senate primary
Former public-health official Abdul El-Sayed defeated Rep. Haley Stevens in Michigan’s Democratic Senate primary, securing the nomination despite being outspent on advertising.
Abdul El-Sayed emerged as the winner of Michigan’s Democratic Senate primary, beating Rep. Haley Stevens in a close contest projected by NBC News. The former public-health official will face Republican nominee former Rep. Mike Rogers in the November general election, a race that could influence control of the U.S. Senate.
El-Sayed overcame a significant financial gap, with Stevens and her allies spending nearly nine times more on television advertising, according to ad-tracking data. Despite the disparity, El-Sayed secured endorsements from national progressive figures including Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, as well as the United Auto Workers.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who lost to El-Sayed in the 2018 gubernatorial primary, endorsed Stevens in the final weeks, citing concerns that El-Sayed focused more on national issues than state priorities. Stevens also highlighted her alignment with the Democratic establishment, receiving support from Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and former Sen. Gary Peters, who endorsed her before retiring.
During a debate in Detroit, El-Sayed criticized the reliance on large campaign contributions, saying, ">If you need a $60 million crutch, you probably can’t be elected on your own terms." He also framed the contest as a choice between a politics driven by ordinary voters and one dominated by corporate interests.
The primary concluded after a third Democratic candidate, state Sen. Mallory McMorrow, withdrew, leaving the contest between the two remaining contenders. Both candidates highlighted different policy priorities, with El-Sayed emphasizing Medicare for All and reduced influence of money in politics, while Stevens focused on her experience and local engagement.