Progressive Candidate Abdul El-Sayed Wins Democratic Primary for MI Senate Seat

8/6/26

In a big win for progressives in our state, Abdul El-Sayed has succeeded over Haley Stevens in the primary elections for Michigan's up-for-election Senate seat. If elected in November, El-Sayed would be the first Muslim US Senator.

El-Sayed formerly ran for Governor of Michigan in 2018, coming second to Gretchen Whitmer in the Democratic primaries that year. More recently El-Sayed served as the Director of Health, Human, and Veteran services in Wayne County between 2023 and 2025.

El-Sayed has built his platform on support for Medicare for All, fitting considering his Doctorate of Medicine from Columbia University. El-Sayed also supports the abolition of ICE. El-Sayed represents a growing schism in the Democratic party as leftists and democratic-socialists continue to pose a serious challenge to moderate candidates like Stevens.

After securing the victory on Wednesday morning, El-Sayed said "The movement to get money out of politics, put money in your pocket, and pass Medicare for All is a big movement," reaffirming his campaign promises.

Losing by a small 15,000 vote margin, it's more than possible that Steven's controversial involvement with AIPAC was partially responsible. According to the AP, Steven's campaign accepted a record $30 million from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee for advertising and campaigning, the most that the AIPAC has ever funded on a single race.

Stevens offered her congratulations and support to El-Sayed's general election campaign, saying "He is 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."

Paul Taylor - Web Content Director