Key Primary Races Across Michigan, Missouri, Kansas Highlight Party Divides and Senate Stakes
Democratic primaries in Michigan, Missouri and Kansas on Tuesday feature battles between progressives and moderates, with implications for the Senate balance and upcoming gubernatorial contests.
Democrats in Michigan will choose between progressive former health official Abdul El-Sayed and moderate Rep. Haley Stevens in a Senate primary that could signal the party’s direction in a pivotal swing state. The winner will face Republican former Rep. Mike Rogers in the November general election, a race that could affect the Democrats’ goal of gaining four Senate seats to secure a majority.
El-Sayed’s campaign emphasizes opposition to Israel’s war in Gaza, universal Medicare and rejecting corporate political donations, while Stevens highlights her experience in the Obama-era auto-industry bailout and positions herself as the most electable candidate, describing El-Sayed as a “show horse” with broader ambitions. Outside spending heavily favored Stevens, with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee contributing nearly $32 million and total independent expenditures reaching a 30-to-1 advantage for Stevens.
Other notable contests include a Michigan House primary where incumbent Rep. Shri Thanedar faces progressive challenger Donavan McKinney, and a battleground 7th District race featuring climate activist William Lawrence against former ambassador Bridget Brink and former Navy SEAL Matt Maasdam. Lawrence, backed by several progressive lawmakers, has apologized for controversial remarks about Black political leaders.
In Kansas, Democrat Adam Hamilton, a megachurch pastor, seeks the Senate nomination to challenge Republican Sen. Roger Marshall, having raised $4.1 million and holding $1.7 million cash on hand. The state also holds competitive gubernatorial primaries, with Democrat Ethan Corson and Republican Senate President Ty Masterson leading crowded fields.
Missouri’s 1st District sees progressive Rep. Cori Bush attempt to unseat moderate incumbent Rep. Wesley Bell, a race marked by significant AIPAC-linked super-PAC spending.
Overall, Tuesday’s primaries across these states will offer insight into Democratic voters’ preferences between progressive and establishment candidates and could shape the party’s strategy for the 2028 presidential cycle and the 2026 midterms.