Progressive Abdul El-Sayed Upsets Pro-Israel Establishment to Win Michigan Senate Primary

Abdul El-Sayed, a former public-health official, secured the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate seat from Michigan by narrowly beating Congresswoman Haley Stevens, with the final margin under one percent. The contest was marked by massive financial opposition, as the American Israel Public Affairs Committee and allied special-interest groups spent tens of millions supporting Stevens, who was also backed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer, former Senator Debbie Stabenow, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and retiring Senator Gary Peters.

El-Sayed’s triumph was hailed by progressive figures such as Bernie Sanders as an unprecedented upset against a well-funded establishment campaign. The result challenges the influence of pro-Israel donors within the party and positions El-Said for a November showdown with Republican former Congressman Mike Rogers, who has President Donald Trump’s endorsement. AIPAC vowed to continue its spending to defeat El-Said in the general election, while his supporters argue the win signals voter fatigue with the Democratic establishment.