Abdul El-Sayed wins Michigan Senate primary, jolting Democrats
Why it matters: The progressive upset sets up a high-stakes November race against Republican Mike Rogers in a key swing state.
Abdul El-Sayed won Michigan’s Democratic Senate primary, defeating U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens in a result that could reshape one of November’s most important contests. El-Sayed, a former Michigan health official backed by Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, prevailed despite Stevens’ support from party leaders and heavy outside spending in her favor. The victory gives Democrats a nominee running on government-backed health insurance, lower drug prices, higher taxes on the wealthy and campaign finance changes. He now faces former Republican Rep. Mike Rogers, who was unopposed, in a battleground race that could help decide control of the Senate.