Abdul El-Sayed, Michigan Democrats address primary win, slam Mike Rogers ahead midterm elections
Progressive Abdul El-Sayed defeated moderate Rep. Haley Stevens for the Democratic nomination for Senate in Michigan, NBC News and Decision Desk HQ have projected, a major victory for the Democratic Party’s left wing in one of the most pivotal races of the 2026 election season.
El-Sayed will now be charged with holding the seat of retiring Democratic Sen. Gary Peters in the pivotal swing state − the biggest electability test for the party’s progressive wing in 2026.
The political newcomer El-Sayed’s win comes nearly two years after President Donald Trump won Michigan in 2024. Stevens, a former Obama administration official embraced by the party establishment, had argued that El-Sayed risks losing the seat to Republican Mike Rogers, who was unopposed for his party’s nomination. El-Sayed’s side contends outsider candidates generate more enthusiasm.
