- In Michigan’s Democratic Senate primary, Abdul El-Sayed, a progressive former public health official, held a narrow lead over Haley Stevens with 49.5% to 45.78%; with more than 95% of votes counted, the race remained too close to call.
Abdul El-Sayed leads Haley Stevens in the Michigan Senate Democratic primary, with 49.5% of the vote compared to Stevens' 45.78%, as of the latest count. Both candidates addressed supporters, acknowledging the tight race and the ongoing vote count.123
Stevens expressed her determination, stating, “We knew that this was going to be a close race, and that’s exactly what we’ve got. I am feeling fired up, and you should be too.” The campaign has garnered significant attention, not only for its implications on Senate control but also as a proxy battle between the Democratic Party’s establishment and progressive wings.
The winner will face Republican Mike Rogers in November, following his unopposed primary. Stevens, who has represented Michigan’s 11th House district since 2019, has received endorsements from prominent Democrats, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Her campaign has benefited from substantial outside spending, particularly from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee.
El-Sayed, a former public health official and epidemiologist, has previously run for office, losing the Democratic gubernatorial race in 2018. He believes the anti-establishment sentiment he represents has grown since then, stating, “I think people are sick and tired of the establishments on both sides... and you can build a politics that doesn’t suck.”
“El-Sayed, a progressive former public health official, had 49.5% to Stevens' 45.78%, with more than 95% of votes counted in the Michigan Senate primary. Both candidates addressed supporters, saying the vote count could continue well into the day.”
The Guardian
