Michigan Democrats are heading to the polls Tuesday to decide between U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens and progressive favorite Abdul El-Sayed in a high-profile Senate primary. The winner will face former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, who is unopposed for the Republican nomination, in a contest crucial to the Democratic Party's efforts to regain a Senate majority.
The primary campaign has been characterized as a proxy battle between the Democratic establishment and its progressive wing. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer endorsed Stevens, while Senators Bernie Sanders and U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez supported El-Sayed.
Stevens, a four-term congresswoman representing an area on Detroit's outskirts, has centered her campaign on manufacturing and the economy. Her campaign has benefited from significant outside spending, including a substantial investment from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC).
El-Sayed, a former Wayne County health director, is seeking a return to elected office after his 2018 gubernatorial primary loss. His platform includes support for Medicare for All, campaign finance reform, and an end to military aid to Israel. El-Sayed has campaigned on a message of economic fairness and reducing corporate influence in politics.
The race for the open Senate seat, left by the retirement of Democratic Sen. Gary Peters, has become one of the nation's most contentious primaries. Initially, three prominent Democrats, including state Sen. Mallory McMorrow, entered the race, but McMorrow suspended her campaign, narrowing the field to Stevens and El-Sayed.
Stevens' experience includes serving as chief of staff for President Barack Obama's auto task force during the federal bailout of General Motors and Chrysler. Her campaign has highlighted this role, including advertisements featuring endorsements from Obama.
El-Sayed has positioned himself as an anti-establishment candidate, aiming to align with other progressive newcomers who have won elections this year. His policy proposals have focused on lower prescription drug costs and prohibiting corporate Political Action Committee (PAC) donations.
National groups have invested unprecedented amounts in this primary, making it a significant test of outside spending's influence. Groups supporting Stevens have spent over $50 million, with a large portion coming from AIPAC and its affiliated organizations.
The role of Israel in foreign policy has surfaced as a key issue, amplified by outside spending, though not explicitly mentioned in all advertisements. El-Sayed has called for an end to military aid to Israel, while Stevens has maintained a strong pro-Israel stance. This issue has become increasingly divisive within the Democratic Party, particularly amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Beyond the Senate race, Michigan voters are also selecting nominees for competitive House seats and for governor. The Republican gubernatorial primary features U.S. Rep. John James, endorsed by former President Donald Trump, and businessman Perry Johnson. On the Democratic side, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson is favored over Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson.
Several House races are also drawing attention. In the 4th District, state Sen. Sean McCann and newcomer Diop Harris II are competing for the Democratic nomination. In the 7th District, former U.S. Ambassador Bridget Brink, community organizer William Lawrence, and former Navy Seal Matt Maasdam are seeking the Democratic nomination. The 10th District, vacated by James, has a Republican primary between Michael Bouchard and Steffan Demetropoulos, and a Democratic contest featuring former state House Rep. Tim Greimel, former prosecutor Christina Hines, and former Commerce Department attorney Eric Chung. In a heavily Democratic Detroit district, U.S. Rep. Shri Thanedar faces a challenge from state Rep. Donavan McKinney.