Michigan Democratic Senate primary: Stevens vs El‑Sayed

Incumbent U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens and former Wayne County health director Dr. Abdul El‑Sayed are battling for Michigan’s open Democratic Senate nomination ahead of the Aug. 4 primary. Governor Gretchen Whitmer has endorsed Stevens, urging voters to back the candidate who “gets things done” for the state. Early‑in‑person voting has already begun, and a televised debate is set for next week.

Polls show Stevens holding a modest lead, while campaign finance filings reveal the AIPAC‑backed United Democracy Project has spent nearly $25 million on independent ads supporting Stevens. El‑Sayed’s progressive platform includes Medicare for All, ICE abolition and a strong stance against Israel, drawing support from national figures such as Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio‑Cortez. The race has also seen controversy, with Stevens’ campaign accused of issuing a fake press release claiming Republican Rep. Mike Rogers’ endorsement of El‑Sayed.

Both candidates have raised roughly $11‑12 million, and the outcome is seen as pivotal for control of the U.S. Senate, as the seat will be contested by the Democratic nominee against Republican former Rep. Mike Rogers in the November general election.