Left-wing political outsider wins Democratic Senate primary in Michigan

Abdul El-Sayed, a left-wing political outsider, is projected to win Michigan's Democratic Senate primary, a contest that highlighted significant divisions within the party.

According to CBS News, the BBC's US partner, the former public health official is set to defeat Haley Stevens, a moderate four-term Democratic congresswoman.

El-Sayed has advocated for progressive policies such as universal healthcare and the abolition of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement. He has also called for an end to unconditional US military aid to Israel.

If his primary victory is confirmed, El-Sayed will face Republican Mike Rogers, an ally of Donald Trump, in the November midterm elections.

The son of Egyptian immigrants, El-Sayed would become the first Muslim US senator if he wins in November.

The upcoming elections will determine the balance of power in Washington for the final two years of President Donald Trump's term.

Following a contentious campaign, El-Sayed hinted at reconciliation when addressing supporters on Tuesday night, before the results were known. He stated, "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 US Senate."

On Tuesday, voters in Michigan, Virginia, and Washington state also cast ballots in Democratic primaries for US House of Representatives candidates.

Both Michigan candidates presented distinct visions for the state and the nation.

El-Sayed received endorsements from prominent left-wing politicians, including Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders and New York City congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

Stevens, 43, adopted a more moderate stance, positioning herself as a centrist candidate appealing to undecided voters in November. She pledged to safeguard manufacturing jobs in Michigan if elected.

Stevens garnered endorsements from Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and outgoing Senator Gary Peters.

A key point of disagreement between the candidates was their position on Israel. El-Sayed has voiced opposition to US involvement in the Middle East, including aid to Israel. Stevens, conversely, is a staunch supporter of Israel and advocates for upholding unconditional US aid to the country.

The Senate seat is currently held by a retiring Democrat. The last time a Republican senator was elected in this Midwestern state was in 1994. However, in presidential elections, Michigan is a crucial swing state, having voted for Democrat Joe Biden in 2020 and for Trump in 2024.

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