Abdul El-Sayed Wins Michigan Democratic Senate Primary Over Haley Stevens

NBC News projected public-health official Abdul El-Sayed as the victor in Michigan’s Democratic Senate primary after a prolonged count. The race remained too close to call for much of the night, with Wayne County reporting results slowly. El-Sayed led early, Stevens narrowed the gap, but the former Wayne County health director ultimately secured the nomination, positioning him as the Democratic candidate for the November general election.

The Independent

El-Sayed ran on a progressive agenda that includes Medicare for All, sweeping campaign-finance reform and an end to U.S. military aid to Israel. He was endorsed by Senator Bernie Sanders and presented himself as an anti-establishment challenger.

The Independent

Stevens, a four-term congresswoman, emphasized manufacturing, the broader economy and her record of winning competitive races, arguing she is best suited to defeat Republican Rep. Mike Rogers. Her campaign was backed by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and received substantial support from pro-Israel groups led by AIPAC.

The Independent

Outside groups poured more than $50 million into the primary, with over $30 million coming from AIPAC and affiliated organizations. This level of spending made the contest one of the most expensive Senate primaries in recent history and thrust U.S.–Israel policy into sharp focus, contrasting El-Sayed’s call to end aid with Stevens’s defense of the alliance.

The Independent

Stevens told supporters that the contest had been expected to be close, reflecting the tight nature of the race. El-Sayed, speaking as the count continued, urged Democrats to unite behind the eventual nominee, stressing the need to prevent Rep. Mike Rogers from reaching the Senate.

The Independent

• “We knew that this was going to be a close race, and that's exactly what we've got,” — S. Rep. Haley Stevens — S. Rep. Haley Stevens

The Independent