Abdul El-Sayed wins Michigan Democratic Senate primary, defeats Haley Stevens

Abdul El-Sayed has clinched a victory in Michigan’s fiercely contested Democratic Senate primary race, defeating Representative Haley Stevens as projected by NBC News.

This triumph establishes a significant Midwest beachhead for the progressive wing of the party this midterm cycle.

El-Sayed won the Senate race despite facing nearly $65 million in outside spending against him. He also secured the nomination in the face of a unified party establishment supporting Stevens, which included a late endorsement from popular Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer aimed at halting his momentum.

Speaking about the background, El-Sayed is a former public health official. Looking ahead in November’s mid-term election, he advances to face former Representative Mike Rogers who ran unopposed for the Republican nomination.

November’s matchup is expected to be among the most competitive races nationwide. The outcome of this contest could ultimately determine which political party controls the United States Senate.

Republicans currently hold 53 seats in the Senate. Democrats are targeting red states to clinch four seats needed to flip the majority while deafening competitive states like Michigan and Georgia.

President Donald Trump won Michigan in 2016 and 2024, but lost the state to Joe Biden in 2020. Trump's early endorsement helped clear the GOP primary for Rogers.