Left-Wing Political Outsider Wins Democratic Senate Primary in Michigan
Ana Faguy, BBC, August 5, 2026
Left-wing political outsider Abdul El-Sayed is projected to win the Democratic Senate primary in Michigan, which exposed bitter divisions over the party’s direction.
The former public health official is on course to beat moderate four-term Democratic congresswoman Haley Stevens, according to CBS News, the BBC’s US partner.
El-Sayed voiced support for left-wing causes like universal healthcare and abolishing US Immigration and Customs Enforcement. He also called for ending unconditional US military aid to Israel.
If officially confirmed as the primary’s winner, he will face Republican and Trump ally Mike Rogers, in November’s midterm elections.
The son of Egyptian immigrants would be the first Muslim US senator if he wins in November.
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Trump declared the Michigan Senate result “Great news for the Republican Party”.
In his post on Truth Social, Trump referred to the Democratic Party as the “Dumocrats”, and claimed their “crazy policies will only get worse!”
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El-Sayed was endorsed by left-wing politicians including Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders and New York City congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
Stevens, 43, took a more moderate approach, pitching herself as the middle-of-the-road candidate who would appeal to voters unsure of which party to back in November. She made a promise to save manufacturing jobs in Michigan, should she be elected.
Stevens earned the endorsement of Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, as well as outgoing Senator Gary Peters.
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El-Sayed spoke out against US involvement in the Middle East, including aid to Israel. Stevens, meanwhile, is staunchly pro-Israel and has said she supports upholding US aid to Israel without conditions.
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