Abdul El-Sayed wins Michigan Senate primary, jolting Democrats
Why it matters: The left-wing victory sets up a high-stakes November race against Republican Mike Rogers in a battleground state.
Abdul El-Sayed won Michigan’s Democratic primary for the US Senate, beating Rep. Haley Stevens and dealing a blow to party leaders who had backed her in a race with national implications. El-Sayed, a former Michigan health official and the son of Egyptian immigrants, ran on a progressive platform that included government-backed health insurance, lower drug costs, higher taxes on the wealthy and campaign finance reform. Stevens entered the race with establishment support and major outside spending, including $32 million from Aipac, but El-Sayed’s message energized liberal voters. He now faces former Republican Rep. Mike Rogers in November in a contest that could help decide control of the Senate.