Abdul El-Sayed, a progressive political outsider and former public health official, is projected to win the Democratic Senate primary in Michigan, a contest that highlighted divisions within the party. He is on course to defeat four-term Democratic congresswoman Haley Stevens.
El-Sayed, whose parents are Egyptian immigrants, has advocated for policies such as universal healthcare and abolishing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. He has also called for ending unconditional U.S. military aid to Israel. If he wins the general election in November, he would become the first Muslim U.S. senator.
He is expected to face Republican Mike Rogers, an ally of former President Donald Trump, in the November midterm elections. These elections will shape the balance of power in Washington for the final two years of President Trump's term.
After a contentious campaign, El-Sayed signaled a desire for unity in remarks to supporters. "Whatever happens tonight, we have a responsibility to ensure that we unite, unite to make sure that [Republican] Mike Rogers never sees the inside of the U.S. Senate," he stated.
Voters in Michigan, Virginia, and Washington state also cast ballots for Democratic House of Representatives candidates on Tuesday.
El-Sayed received endorsements from progressive figures, including Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York. Stevens, 43, presented herself as a moderate candidate who could appeal to undecided voters. She focused on promises to preserve manufacturing jobs in Michigan and earned the endorsements of Governor Gretchen Whitmer and outgoing Senator Gary Peters.
A significant point of divergence between the candidates was their approach to Israel. El-Sayed has expressed opposition to U.S. involvement in the Middle East and aid to Israel, while Stevens is a strong supporter of Israel and advocates for unconditional U.S. aid.
The Senate seat is currently held by a retiring Democrat. Republicans have not won a Senate seat in Michigan since 1994, although the state is a crucial swing state in presidential elections. Michigan voted for Democrat Joe Biden in 2020 but for Trump in 2024.