Abdul El-Sayed wins Michigan Democratic primary for Senate, NBC projects
Abdul El-Sayed, a progressive public health advocate, won Michigan's Democratic Senate primary despite over $60 million in spending against him, primarily from pro-Israel groups. El-Sayed, of Egyptian descent, will face Republican Mike Rogers in November and could become the first Muslim U.S. senator if elected.
A significant upset has unfolded in Michigan's Democratic primary race for the U.S. Senate. Abdul El-Sayed, a progressive public health advocate, secured the party's nomination despite facing substantial financial opposition. The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) invested more than $30 million to support his opponent, U.S. Congresswoman Haley Stevens, as part of a broader effort that exceeded $60 million in total spending against El-Sayed.
The outcome represents a notable setback for AIPAC's political influence in the state. El-Sayed's victory in Michigan, a swing state that supported Donald Trump in 2024, carries implications for Democratic positioning on Middle Eastern conflicts. The candidate has characterized Israel's actions in Gaza as genocide and advocates redirecting resources from Middle East-related spending toward domestic priorities including healthcare, housing, and infrastructure.
Looking ahead to the general election in November, El-Sayed will compete against former Republican Congressman Mike Rogers. Political analysts view this Senate race as one of several competitive contests that could determine which party controls the chamber during the remainder of Trump's term. Should El-Sayed prevail in the general election, he would make history as the first Muslim senator in U.S. history.
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