El-Sayed projected to win high-stakes Michigan Senate Democratic primary, as 5 states hold elections

Michigan Democrats Select El-Sayed for Senate Race Against Rogers

Tyunews.com – Progressive physician Dr. Abdul El-Sayed has secured the Democratic nomination for Michigan’s Senate seat, according to an Associated Press projection released Wednesday. The victory comes after a contentious primary campaign that saw him overcome moderate Representative Haley Stevens. Stevens phoned El-Sayed directly to concede the contest, as reported by a campaign representative.

The two candidates were competing for an open seat that retiring Democratic Senator Gary Peters will leave behind. In November, the winner will challenge former Republican Representative Mike Rogers in the general election. This contest holds significant implications, as it could ultimately determine which party maintains control of the Senate in the upcoming Congress.

During a celebratory press conference, El-Sayed characterized his win as evidence of his political movement’s resilience. He noted that his victory came despite substantial financial opposition and a bitter primary battle.

“We took on a machine. You’re not supposed to be able to beat $70 million dollars of outside spending, a record amount of money spent in a campaign against a Democrat in a primary in any campaign, you’re not supposed to be able to beat that,” El-Sayed declared.

He continued, emphasizing the collective strength of his supporters: “And what we showed is that the power of our many is greater than the power of their money.”

Stevens publicly endorsed El-Sayed following the results. In a Wednesday statement, she praised the campaign for showcasing diverse perspectives within the party.

“This was a thorough and rigorous campaign that brought out the full span of views within the Democratic Party — and that is why we have primaries,” Stevens explained. “I am proud to have put up my hand to serve, and prouder to continue to work together to make sure this Senate seat remains blue, that we flip the United States Senate and continue the work for Michigan.”

Stevens also addressed potential Republican advantages stemming from Democratic divisions.

“Donald Trump and Mike Rogers want us to come out of this primary tired and divided, so their billionaire backers can come in and let multimillionaire Mike Rogers walk away with this Senate seat. … I’m not going to let that happen,” she stated.

President Donald Trump responded to the outcome, describing El-Sayed’s triumph as favorable for Republicans. He labeled the progressive candidate a “Communist loser” during his comments.

Other Michigan Races and National Primaries

Michigan voters also participated in several other contests on Tuesday. ABC News projects that Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Republican Representative John James will advance to the November general election for governor. Should James win, he would become the state’s first elected Black Republican governor.

In Michigan’s 7th Congressional District, progressive activist and Democratic Socialist of America member William Lawrence is projected to defeat two moderate opponents for the Democratic nomination. He will challenge first-term Republican incumbent Tom Barrett. The Cook Political Report currently classifies this district as a “Toss Up.”

Meanwhile, in the 13th Congressional District, the Associated Press projects that state legislator Donovan McKinney will defeat Democratic incumbent Representative Shri Thanedar. This result adds to a growing list of Democratic incumbents losing to progressive challengers.

Michigan was among five states conducting primary elections on Tuesday. In Missouri’s 1st Congressional District Democratic primary, ABC News projects that incumbent Representative Wesley Bell will defeat former Representative Cori Bush. Bell had previously unseated Bush two years earlier and received additional support from pro-Israel organizations. The United Democracy Project, a super PAC connected to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, invested millions in opposing Bush during both the 2024 and 2026 primary cycles.

Bush sought to leverage voter dissatisfaction with Israel’s actions during the Gaza conflict, as well as broader progressive momentum against established politicians. In Missouri’s newly redistricted 5th District, Republican state Senator Rick Brattin is projected to face incumbent Democratic Representative Emanuel Cleaver in November.