Michigan’s Democratic primary for a US Senate nomination on Tuesday, August 5th, 2026, has become a focal point of the ongoing rift between progressive and centrist Democrats, particularly regarding US support for Israel. This division has been evident in primaries across the country this year.

In Michigan, a key swing state, the race is critical for Democrats’ efforts to maintain control of the Senate. As of early Wednesday morning, centrist candidate Haley Stevens, regarded as the establishment choice, and progressive favorite Abdul El-Sayed were in a tight contest. With 91 percent of votes counted, El-Sayed held a narrow lead with 48.9 percent, while Stevens had 47.1 percent, according to the Associated Press.

El-Sayed maintained his lead as initial results came in Tuesday night, though Stevens gained ground as Wayne County—the state’s most populous area and home to Detroit—reported more votes into the night.

The campaign has drawn national attention not only because the seat could determine Senate control but also due to the candidates’ contrasting positions on Israel. Polling by Reuters/Ipsos shows Israel’s favorability among Democrats dropped from 59 percent in 2018 to just 22 percent in May 2026.

Other primaries held on Tuesday included Missouri, Kansas, and Washington state. In Missouri, progressive Democrat Cori Bush, a vocal critic of Israel’s war on Gaza, failed to unseat incumbent US Representative Wesley Bell in a rematch of their 2024 contest.

These primaries underscore the Democratic Party’s internal struggle over foreign policy and ideological direction ahead of the midterm elections.

Sources