Key facts
- Abdul El-Sayed won the Democratic nomination for the US Senate in Michigan.
- El-Sayed defeated Congresswoman Haley Stevens in the primary.
- The race was one of the most expensive and closely watched primaries in US history.
- NBC News projected El-Sayed's victory.
- Aipac spent over $30 million backing Stevens.
- El-Sayed will face Republican Mike Rogers in the general election.
Progressive advocate Abdul El-Sayed has secured the Democratic nomination for the US Senate in Michigan, defeating incumbent Congresswoman Haley Stevens in a closely contested and heavily funded primary. NBC News projected El-Sayed's victory late Tuesday, following a race marked by over $60 million in spending, much of it from outside groups aiming to influence the outcome.
As of early Wednesday, El-Sayed held a narrow lead with over 92 percent of expected votes tallied. The result is seen as a significant setback for pro-Israel lobbying groups, particularly the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (Aipac), which invested more than $30 million in support of Stevens, aiming to unseat one of the Democratic Party's most outspoken pro-Palestinian candidates.
El-Sayed, a 41-year-old doctor, framed his campaign around opposition to Israel's actions in Gaza and frustration with traditional Democratic alignment with pro-Israel advocacy. His stance resonated with voters, particularly Arab American constituents. Stevens, meanwhile, defended her record and rejected suggestions of being beholden to outside interests.
If declared the winner, El-Sayed will face former Republican congressman Mike Rogers in November. The contest is anticipated to be highly competitive and could influence control of the Senate during the final two years of President Donald Trump's term. State legislator Mallory McMorrow endorsed El-Sayed shortly after NBC's projection.