Left‑wing political outsider Abdul El‑Sayed is projected to win the Democratic Senate primary in Michigan, exposing bitter divisions over the party’s direction.
El‑Sayed, a former public health official, is on course to defeat moderate four‑term Democratic congresswoman Haley Stevens, according to CBS News and the BBC’s U.S. partner.
El‑Sayed voiced support for left‑wing causes such as universal health care, the abolition of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and ending unconditional U.S. military aid to Israel.
If confirmed as the primary winner, he will face Republican and Trump ally Mike Rogers in November’s mid‑term election.
As the son of Egyptian immigrants, he would be the first Muslim U.S. senator if he wins in November.
The forthcoming elections will determine the balance of power in Washington for the last two years of President Donald Trump’s time in office.
After a bruising and sometimes bitter campaign, El‑Sayed hinted at bridge‑building when he addressed supporters on Tuesday night, ahead of the outcome.
“Whatever happens tonight, we have a responsibility to ensure that we unite, unite to make sure that Mike Rogers never sees the inside of the U.S. Senate,” he said.
Voters in Michigan, Virginia and Washington were also casting ballots in Democratic primaries for U.S. House of Representatives candidates on Tuesday.
Both candidates in Michigan offered a starkly different vision for the state and the country.
El‑Sayed was endorsed by left‑wing politicians including Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders and New York City congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio‑Cortez.
Stevens, 43, took a more moderate approach, pitching herself as the middle‑of‑the‑road candidate who would appeal to voters unsure of which party to back in November, and promised to save manufacturing jobs in Michigan if elected.
Stevens earned the endorsement of Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and outgoing Senator Gary Peters.
One of the biggest areas where the candidates disagreed is their stance on Israel.
El‑Sayed has spoken out against U.S. involvement in the Middle East, including aid to Israel. Stevens, meanwhile, is staunchly pro‑Israel and has said she supports upholding U.S. aid to Israel without conditions.
The Senate seat is currently held by a retiring Democrat. The last time a Republican senator was elected in this Midwestern state was 1994.
In presidential elections, Michigan is a crucial swing state—voted for Democrat Joe Biden in 2020 but for Trump in 2024.
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