Progressive candidate Abdul El-Sayed has won the Democratic nomination for the US Senate in Michigan, defeating establishment-backed Representative Haley Stevens in a closely watched primary that is being viewed as a significant victory for the Democratic Party’s progressive wing.
El-Sayed, a former public health official, prevailed in a race that attracted national attention and millions of dollars in outside spending. He will now face former Republican Representative Mike Rogers in the general election in the key battleground state.
US President Donald Trump reacted to the result by welcoming El-Sayed’s victory, claiming it would benefit Republicans.
“Great news for the Republican Party. El-Sayed, a Communist loser who hates Jews and Israel, is the projected winner in his race with the Socialist… Now, the Dumocrats crazy policies will only get worse!” Trump posted on Truth Social.
According to reports, El-Sayed narrowly defeated Stevens despite her receiving backing from Democratic establishment leaders and benefiting from nearly USD 32 million in spending by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC).
The primary campaign was dominated by sharp differences over healthcare, immigration and US policy towards Israel. Stevens and her allies questioned El-Sayed over allegations related to antisemitism and sexism, while El-Sayed’s supporters accused the moderate Democrat’s campaign of Islamophobia.
The result is also seen as a setback for Democratic establishment leaders, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who had endorsed Stevens.
In another key Michigan contest, Democratic Representative Shri Thanedar lost his primary for the 13th Congressional District to progressive challenger Donavan McKinney, further underscoring the growing influence of the party’s progressive wing.
