Progressive Abdul El-Sayed wins Democratic Senate primary in Michigan

Abdul El-Sayed has won Michigan’s Democratic primary for the US Senate, setting up a November election contest against Republican Mike Rogers.

The former public health official narrowly defeated moderate Democratic congresswoman Haley Stevens in a closely fought race that highlighted divisions within the Democratic Party over its political direction.

With more than 1.5 million ballots counted, El-Sayed led Stevens by fewer than 15,000 votes, a margin of just under one percentage point.

Addressing supporters after his projected victory, El-Sayed quoted boxer Muhammad Ali, saying: “In the words of Muhammad Ali, ‘We shook up the world.’”

He added that his campaign had been driven by support for policies including reducing the influence of money in politics and expanding healthcare access through Medicare for All.

Stevens conceded the race and endorsed El-Sayed, describing him as “a doctor, a community health official, a Rhodes Scholar, and a dedicated Michigander.”

“I am proud to offer my support as he takes on Mike Rogers in the general election,” she said.

The November midterm election will determine who succeeds Michigan’s outgoing senator and could influence the balance of power in the US Senate during the final two years of President Donald Trump’s term.

Trump welcomed the primary result in a post on Truth Social, calling it “great news for the Republican Party” and criticising Democratic policies.

During the campaign, El-Sayed, who was endorsed by Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, advocated progressive policies including universal healthcare and abolishing US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Stevens campaigned as a centrist candidate, focusing on protecting Michigan’s manufacturing sector and appealing to moderate voters ahead of the general election.

If elected in November, El-Sayed would become the first Muslim to serve in the US Senate.