Key facts
- Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez endorsed Abdul El-Sayed for the Democratic nomination in Michigan's US Senate race.
- El-Sayed, a progressive Democrat and former public health director, is backed by Bernie Sanders.
- The primary is seen as a test between insurgent and establishment candidates within the Democratic party.
- El-Sayed leads his challengers, including US Congresswoman Haley Stevens and State Senator Mallory McMorrow, in current polls.
- Ocasio-Cortez's endorsement is her first in a competitive US Senate primary this midterm cycle.
- The Democratic nominee will likely face former Republican representative Mike Rogers in the general election.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has endorsed Abdul El-Sayed, a progressive Democrat, in the highly contested race for the US Senate seat in Michigan. El-Sayed, a doctor and former public health director, has also secured the backing of Senator Bernie Sanders. Ocasio-Cortez, an influential figure on the left of the Democratic party, stated that El-Sayed offers the best chance for Democrats to win the seat, citing his populist economic platform which includes proposals like banning corporate tax incentives and taxing billionaires.
The Michigan Senate primary is shaping up as a significant contest between insurgent and establishment-backed candidates, reflecting broader ideological divisions within the Democratic party. El-Sayed is currently leading his primary challengers, US Congresswoman Haley Stevens, who is supported by senior Democratic leadership including Chuck Schumer, and State Senator Mallory McMorrow, who has received support from figures like Senator Elizabeth Warren.
This endorsement marks Ocasio-Cortez's first in a competitive US Senate primary this midterm election cycle. The winner of the Democratic primary will face former Republican representative Mike Rogers in the general election. Rogers narrowly lost to Elissa Slotkin in a previous Senate race, despite Donald Trump carrying the state.