El-Sayed wins Michigan Senate primary

In a closely watched contest, progressive Abdul El-Sayed narrowly defeated moderate U.S. Representative Haley Stevens in United States — Michigan's Democratic Senate primary on August 5, 2026. The race, which became a proxy battle over the party's direction, Israel policy, and the influence of outside spending, saw El-Sayed win by less than one percentage point. El-Sayed, backed by Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, campaigned on Medicare for All, ending unconditional military aid to Israel, and campaign finance reform. Stevens, supported by Chuck Schumer, Gretchen Whitmer, and pro-Israel groups, emphasized electability and experience. The primary was marked by record outside spending, including over $30 million from AIPAC-affiliated groups supporting Stevens. El-Sayed will face Republican Mike Rogers in November in a race critical to Senate control. The result signals the growing strength of the progressive wing within the Democratic Party, following similar wins in New York and United States — Colorado.