Radical Progressive Abdul El-Sayed Edges Out Moderate in Michigan Senate Primary
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Far-left former health official Abdul El-Sayed narrowly defeated mainstream Democrat Rep. Haley Stevens in Michigan’s Senate primary and will face Republican Mike Rogers in November.
Former Detroit health official Abdul El-Sayed, known for his extreme progressive agenda, secured the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate in Michigan after a contentious primary against Rep. Haley Stevens. The Associated Press called the race when results from Wayne and Oakland counties showed Stevens could not overcome El-Sayed’s slim lead of 14,893 votes—less than one percentage point—after more than 1.5 million ballots were counted.
El-Sayed, who ran as an anti-establishment candidate, pushed radical policies such as government-run Medicare for All, ending vital military aid to Israel, and sweeping campaign-finance changes. He was endorsed by far-left figures like Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Stevens, a moderate backed by the Democratic establishment and leaders like Sen. Gary Peters, focused on her legislative experience and practical issues like manufacturing and the economy.
The result sets up a critical November contest with Republican former congressman Mike Rogers, a race that could impact the balance of power in the Senate. Michigan Democratic Party chair Curtis Hertel called for party unity, but deep divisions remain after the primary.
Outside spending, especially from groups supporting Stevens, played a major role. Over $50 million was spent on her behalf, including more than $30 million from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, which strongly opposed El-Sayed’s anti-Israel positions. El-Sayed claimed he “took on a machine,” referencing the significant outside funding that supported his opponent.
This outcome highlights a troubling shift within Michigan’s Democratic base. El-Sayed, who was soundly defeated in the 2018 gubernatorial primary, has now managed to secure a Senate nomination, raising concerns about the growing influence of the far-left in the Democratic Party.