Michigan Democrats pick Senate nominee in costly test of party’s left
Why it matters: The winner will head into a marquee general election fight as outside groups, including AIPAC’s allied super PAC, pour in money.
Michigan voters are choosing a Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in a primary that could shape the party’s balance between establishment and progressive forces ahead of the 2026 midterms. U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens faces former Detroit public health official Abdul El-Sayed in the race to replace retiring Sen. Gary Peters. Stevens has backing from much of Michigan’s Democratic leadership, while El-Sayed is supported by national progressives including Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren. The contest has also drawn heavy outside spending: the United Democracy Project, affiliated with AIPAC, has spent more than $30 million since June backing Stevens and opposing El-Sayed, according to Federal Election Commission records.