Abdul El-Sayed, a progressive public health advocate, has won the Democratic primary for the United States Senate in Michigan, NBC projected on Tuesday, August 5th, 2026. El-Sayed overcame more than $60 million in campaign spending, primarily from pro-Israel groups, to defeat pro-Israel Congresswoman Haley Stevens.
The outcome marks a significant blow to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), which invested over $30 million backing Stevens in an effort to prevent El-Sayed's nomination. El-Sayed will face former Republican Congressman Mike Rogers in the November midterm elections.
Michigan, a swing state that voted for Donald Trump in 2024, is considered a critical battleground. The Senate race could influence which party controls the chamber for the remainder of President Trump’s term.
El-Sayed has publicly described Israel’s actions in Gaza as genocide and advocates redirecting funds spent on conflicts benefiting Israel toward addressing healthcare, housing, and infrastructure challenges in U.S. communities. The result is viewed as having major implications for the Democratic Party’s policies on Middle East conflicts.
US Arab communities in Michigan have highlighted the historic nature of El-Sayed’s win despite opposition from AIPAC-backed efforts.
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