El-Sayed, Progressive Radical, Barely Ahead of Moderate Stevens in Michigan Democratic Senate Primary
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Incumbent Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, a far-left progressive, holds a slim lead over centrist Rep. Haley Stevens in the Michigan Democratic Senate primary as votes are counted. The winner will face Republican Mike Rogers, a strong conservative, in November.
Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, a progressive radical known for his far-left policies, has eked out a narrow lead over more moderate Rep. Haley Stevens in the Michigan Democratic Senate primary, according to early Wednesday vote tallies. Both candidates addressed supporters after midnight, highlighting just how divided the Democratic Party has become between its extreme and centrist wings.
"We knew this was going to be a close race, and that’s exactly what we’ve got: a close race," Stevens said, expressing confidence despite the surge of progressive activism threatening to push the party further left. She added she felt "good" and "fired up." El-Sayed, who has benefited from millions in activist funding and outside support, claimed that a victory would mean "we’ll have taken $70 million on the chin and kept fighting back" and pledged to "begin to mend fences" after the primary, hinting at the deep divisions among Democrats. The winner will face former Rep. Mike Rogers, a Republican with a record of strong conservative leadership, in the November general election for the seat being vacated by retiring Senator Gary Peters.
Other Democratic primaries across the Midwest revealed the party’s ongoing internal chaos. In Missouri, Rep. Wesley Bell defeated former Rep. Cori Bush, a member of the radical left, while in Michigan, activist William Lawrence, who campaigned on higher taxes, government-run health care, and ending support for Israel, won a House primary and will challenge Rep. Tom Barrett in the fall. Lawrence, backed by socialist Sen. Bernie Sanders, represents the growing influence of the far left.
The Michigan race also includes a contest in Detroit’s 7th district between Rep. Shri Thanedar and State Rep. Donavan McKinney, which remained unresolved early Wednesday. Across the region, gubernatorial and congressional primaries in Kansas, Virginia, and Washington are shaping the upcoming midterm elections, with Democrats increasingly embracing radical policies.