Abdul El-Sayed narrowly defeated Rep. Haley Stevens in Michigan’s Democratic Senate primary Tuesday, handing progressives a major win in one of the country’s most important midterm battlegrounds.
The former Detroit health director won by fewer than 15,000 votes after a costly and divisive race. He will face former Republican Rep. Mike Rogers in November for the seat being vacated by retiring Democratic Sen. Gary Peters.
Stevens had the backing of much of Michigan’s Democratic establishment and benefited from heavy spending by pro-Israel groups. El-Sayed ran as an outsider, calling for Medicare for All and an end to U.S. military aid to Israel. Stevens endorsed him after conceding Wednesday, as Democrats moved quickly to close ranks for the general election.
Michigan voters also chose their candidates for governor. Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson won the Democratic nomination, while Trump-backed Rep. John James defeated businessman Perry Johnson on the Republican side. They will compete to succeed term-limited Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
The state’s congressional primaries brought another win for the left. State Rep. Donavan McKinney defeated Rep. Shri Thanedar in the Democratic primary for Detroit’s heavily Democratic 13th District. William Lawrence won the Democratic nomination in the competitive 7th District and will challenge Republican Rep. Tom Barrett.
Bell defeats Bush again in Missouri
Rep. Wesley Bell turned back former Rep. Cori Bush’s attempt to reclaim her St. Louis-area seat.
Bell first defeated Bush in the 2024 Democratic primary. Their rematch again drew national interest because of their differences over Israel and the role of outside political spending. Bell is now strongly favored to keep the heavily Democratic district in November.
Missouri voters also rejected two proposals placed on the ballot by the Republican-led Legislature. One would have made it harder to amend the state constitution through citizen initiatives. The other would have opened the door to ending the state income tax while expanding sales taxes.
Virginia Democrats choose experienced candidates
Former Rep. Elaine Luria won the Democratic nomination in Virginia’s 2nd District, setting up a rematch with Republican Rep. Jen Kiggans, who defeated her in 2022.
Democrats also nominated Henrico County prosecutor Shannon Taylor to challenge Republican Rep. Rob Wittman in the 1st District. Former Rep. Tom Perriello won in the 5th District and will face Republican Rep. John McGuire.
The races carry added weight after Virginia’s highest court blocked a Democratic-backed congressional map. The ruling left the party trying to gain seats under the state’s existing boundaries.
Kansas and Washington settle fall matchups
In Kansas, the Rev. Adam Hamilton emerged from an 11-candidate Democratic field for U.S. Senate. He will face Republican Sen. Roger Marshall, a close Trump ally seeking a second term.
Washington’s top-two primary sent Democratic Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez and Republican state Sen. John Braun to the general election in the competitive 3rd District. Gluesenkamp Perez, one of the House’s most closely watched moderate Democrats, had also faced a challenge from her left.
The night’s central result came from Michigan, where El-Sayed showed that progressive candidates can still overcome party leaders and major outside spending. His next task will be harder: bringing the Democratic coalition back together for a Senate race that could help determine control of the chamber.
