Progressive and Moderate Face Off in Michigan Democratic Senate Primary
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Dr. Abdul El-Sayed and Rep. Haley Stevens compete in Michigan's Democratic Senate primary, a contest seen as a test of the party's ideological direction ahead of the November election.
Michigan voters are deciding a closely watched Democratic Senate primary that pits progressive former public-health official Dr. Abdul El-Sayed against centrist Rep. Haley Stevens. The winner will seek to retain the seat of retiring Senator Gary Peters in a swing state that could influence control of the U.S. Senate.
El-Sayed, who advocates universal health care and opposes U.S. military aid to Israel, spent Tuesday campaigning in the Detroit area, while Stevens, a strong supporter of Israel and a self-described bipartisan problem-solver, began the day at a church in Grand Rapids before traveling to Detroit.
"He is running for celebrity and fame and probably fortune as well," Stevens said of her opponent during a press briefing in Grand Rapids.
"Those claims are odd," El-Sayed responded in a recent interview, emphasizing his focus on delivering results in overlooked areas.
The primary also determines the Democratic challenger to Republican former Rep. Mike Rogers, who is running unopposed for his party's nomination. Party leaders and donors have invested heavily in the race, with more than $60 million in outside spending supporting Stevens, much of it linked to pro-Israel groups.
Other contests on Tuesday include primaries in Kansas, Missouri, Virginia and Washington, featuring races that could shape the balance of power in the House and affect state-level policy battles.