Abdul El-Sayed wins Michigan Democratic primary for Senate, NBC projects | US Midterm Elections 2026 News
Progressive Advocate Abdul El-Sayed Secures Democratic Senate Nomination in Michigan
Published: Aug. 5, 2026
Abdul El-Sayed, a progressive public health advocate, has clinched the Democratic nomination for the United States Senate in Michigan, according to projections from NBC. El-Sayed’s victory comes after he faced over $60 million in campaign spending, predominantly from pro-Israel organizations, aimed at supporting his opponent, Congresswoman Haley Stevens.
The result on Tuesday marks a significant setback for the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), which contributed more than $30 million to Stevens’ campaign in an effort to defeat the pro-Palestinian El-Sayed.
El-Sayed will compete against former Republican Congressman Mike Rogers in the November election. This race is one of several key Senate contests that could influence party control in the chamber as the midterm elections approach.
If victorious in November, El-Sayed, who has Egyptian heritage, would become the first Muslim senator in U.S. history.
The outcome in Michigan, notable for its status as a swing state that voted for Donald Trump in 2024, may have significant implications for the Democratic Party’s stance on Middle East policy. El-Sayed has criticized Israel’s actions in Gaza, labeling them as genocide, and advocates for reallocating funds used for overseas conflicts to address pressing issues such as healthcare, housing, and infrastructure in U.S. communities.
More developments are expected as the campaign progresses.
