Story perspectives

Progressives Abdul El-Sayed, Will Lawrence Lead Michigan Democratic Primaries

8/4/2026

Summary

Story summary

Progressive candidates Abdul El-Sayed and Will Lawrence are contesting Michigan Democratic primaries.
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) backs El-Sayed for Senate and Lawrence for the 7th district.
Polls give El-Sayed a double-digit lead over centrist Rep. Haley Stevens.
Operative Joe DiSano warns the progressive wins could jeopardize swing-state races.
NRCC’s Zach Bannon called the primaries a “grand finale” of infighting and noted spending in the millions.

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Story summary

Progressive candidates Abdul El-Sayed and Will Lawrence are contesting Michigan Democratic primaries.
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) backs El-Sayed for Senate and Lawrence for the 7th district.
Polls give El-Sayed a double-digit lead over centrist Rep. Haley Stevens.
Operative Joe DiSano warns the progressive wins could jeopardize swing-state races.
NRCC’s Zach Bannon called the primaries a “grand finale” of infighting and noted spending in the millions.