On Wednesday, August 5th, 2026, Abdul El-Sayed, a progressive Democrat and doctor, secured the Democratic Party’s US Senate nomination in Michigan, delivering a significant boost to the party’s progressive wing ahead of the November midterm elections. El-Sayed’s campaign emphasized healthcare reform, economic issues, and ending unconditional military aid to Israel.

He defeated moderate US Congresswoman Haley Stevens, who was backed by Democratic establishment leaders and pro-Israel groups, in a closely contested race. With 99% of votes counted, El-Sayed led Stevens 48.5% to 47.5%, according to the Associated Press.

El-Sayed is the first progressive candidate to win a statewide primary in Michigan, a state that US President Donald Trump carried in the 2024 presidential election. He will face Republican former congressman Mike Rogers in the November general election.

At a press conference following his victory, El-Sayed said, “My hope is that our democracy will never be the same. From here on out, we can always point and say, ‘No, this is the people’s democracy, and we will always own it.’”

Sources