Key facts
- Haley Stevens and El-Sayed clashed in their first televised debate for the Michigan Senate seat.
- El-Sayed repeatedly accused the pro-Israel group AIPAC of attempting to buy the election and influence the race.
In their first televised debate, Democratic Senate candidates Haley Stevens and El-Sayed traded barbs on issues including immigration and healthcare. El-Sayed repeatedly accused AIPAC of attempting to buy the seat and influence the race, while Stevens pushed back against his claims and questioned his electability.
The outcome of this primary could significantly impact the balance of power in the U.S. Senate, as Democrats aim to hold the Michigan seat in a key swing state.
In their first televised debate, Democratic Senate candidates Haley Stevens and El-Sayed clashed over issues ranging from immigration to healthcare, with El-Sayed repeatedly accusing the pro-Israel group AIPAC of attempting to buy the seat and influence the race. Stevens fired back that "no one owns my vote" and suggested that national Republicans were seeking to boost El-Sayed's campaign.
The debate crystallized the contest as an ideological showdown between the moderate Stevens, who is backed by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and centrist groups, and the progressive El-Sayed. An ascendant left is looking for El-Sayed to defeat Stevens in the August 4 primary, which could impact Democrats' hopes of controlling the Senate. Moderates argue El-Sayed is not electable in the general election.
Polls show both El-Sayed and Stevens within the margin of error against the presumed GOP nominee, former Rep. Mike Rogers. Stevens, who has trailed El-Sayed in some polls, also hammered her opponent for not releasing his tax returns and accused him of seeking social media clicks. El-Sayed, however, consistently steered the conversation back to AIPAC's spending, stating, "If Congresswoman Stevens makes it or Mike Rogers wins, either way, Israel will win."
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