Senator Bernie Sanders asserted that the Democratic primary in Michigan's Senate race is not a contest between Rep. Haley Stevens and progressive candidate Abdul El-Sayed, but rather a battle against the "billionaire class" seeking to prevent El-Sayed's victory. Sanders made these remarks during a campaign rally in Detroit.
Sanders, I-Vt., stated that wealthy donors and outside organizations have invested substantial sums to counter El-Sayed's campaign. He cited figures indicating that approximately $50 million has been spent against El-Sayed, with two weeks remaining before the election. "Now I want everybody here throughout the state, people turning on the TVs and they see all these ads, I want you to ask yourself a simple question: Why are the richest people in the country spending tens and tens of millions of dollars to defeat Abdul El-Sayed?" Sanders asked supporters.
According to AdImpact data, super PACs supporting Stevens have allocated about $26.9 million for television advertisements in the final five weeks of the primary campaign. In contrast, groups backing El-Sayed have spent roughly $2.1 million. Sanders highlighted that outside groups have outspent El-Sayed's campaign by a ratio of 12-to-1, suggesting this significant financial disparity underscores the perceived threat El-Sayed poses to powerful interests.
The Michigan Senate primary has become a notable contest within the 2026 cycle, highlighting divisions between progressive and establishment factions of the Democratic Party. El-Sayed has garnered endorsements from Sanders and other progressive figures. Stevens, meanwhile, has secured the support of Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and retiring Sen. Gary Peters.
Stevens, who has represented Michigan's 11th Congressional District since 2019, previously served on the Obama administration's auto industry task force. Recent campaign appearances by Stevens have drawn attention online. One viral clip led to comparisons with a "Saturday Night Live" sketch, and another resurfaced a 2020 House floor speech where she continued speaking after her allotted time expired.
The race has intensified following the withdrawal of state Sen. Mallory McMorrow, leaving Stevens and El-Sayed in a direct competition. Many Democrats view this primary as a pivotal moment in determining the party's future direction. The winner of the Democratic primary is anticipated to face Republican Mike Rogers in the November general election.