Senate Democrats are unified in their support for Michigan Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed in his race against Republican Mike Rogers, as the party aims to secure a majority in the upcoming election. El-Sayed narrowly won a contentious primary against Rep. Haley Stevens, a victory that highlighted divisions within the party between progressive and moderate factions.
Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., a progressive who endorsed El-Sayed, stated his belief that El-Sayed will prevail over Rogers in November. Several other Democratic senators approached by Fox News Digital also voiced confidence in El-Sayed's prospects.
"I am very confident we’re going to win in Michigan," said Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash. However, when pressed on El-Sayed's more progressive policies, such as defunding the police, abolishing Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and supporting Medicare for All, senators were hesitant to offer explicit endorsements.
When asked for her view on El-Sayed's more progressive stances, Murray deferred, stating, "You can ask him." Sen. Tina Smith, D-Minn., who also believes El-Sayed will win, quickly excused herself when questioned about her stance on his policies.
Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., was more direct, admitting to some policy disagreements with El-Sayed while still acknowledging the energy the candidate brings. "He's got 90 days," Warner commented. "He brought a lot of energy. There are obviously places I don't fully agree with him either."
Despite some senators' reservations about specific policy details, others emphasized El-Sayed's qualifications. Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., highlighted El-Sayed's background as an epidemiologist and former health director, arguing that such medical expertise would be valuable in the Senate, particularly given current concerns about healthcare.
"To have a doctor at a time when healthcare and the cost of healthcare is top of mind — that would be a voice that's very much appreciated," Baldwin told Fox News Digital, expressing her commitment to working towards a Democratic Senate majority.
Meanwhile, Republican Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb., cautioned that the Democratic Party's embrace of more progressive elements could alienate traditional voters. "I think it just shows how crazy Democrats are becoming," Fischer stated. "Regular Democrats who are working people, who are worried about their families… they want to own their own businesses… create that… that's an American dream."
El-Sayed's victory in the primary sets the stage for a closely watched general election contest against Rogers in Michigan, a key battleground state for control of the Senate.