Michigan’s Democratic primary for U.S. Senate delivered a tight contest on Tuesday night, with progressive candidate Abdul El-Sayed maintaining a slight edge over Congresswoman Haley Stevens as vote counting extended into Wednesday morning. Both candidates remained optimistic despite the razor-thin margins separating them, with final results potentially not arriving until later in the day.
The race carries significant weight for Democrats nationwide, as Michigan represents a crucial battleground in their effort to regain Senate control during the upcoming midterm elections. The primary victor will advance to face Republican nominee Mike Rogers in November’s general election to fill the seat being vacated by retiring Senator Gary Peters.
El-Sayed, a former public health official, constructed his campaign around grassroots organizing and progressive priorities including universal healthcare. Stevens positioned herself as a practical problem-solver and benefited from substantial outside spending, including support from groups connected to pro-Israel advocacy organizations. Both candidates called for party unity, acknowledging that internal disagreements must give way to a collective effort against the Republican opposition in the fall.
Rogers, who previously lost a 2024 Senate bid in Michigan, ran unopposed in his party’s primary. Party officials and candidates who withdrew from the race have pledged to support the Democratic nominee, emphasizing the importance of presenting a united front heading into November’s elections.
Originally reported by Theguardian →
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