Abdul El-Sayed has won Michigan’s Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate, defeating Rep. Haley Stevens in one of the most closely watched Democratic primaries of the 2026 election cycle. The victory is widely seen as a significant win for the party’s progressive wing over the Democratic establishment in a pivotal swing state.

El-Sayed, who has been backed by Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, will now face Republican Mike Rogers in November in a race that could play a major role in determining control of the U.S. Senate.

The former Michigan health official built his campaign around progressive priorities including Medicare for All, reducing corporate influence in politics, and significantly changing U.S. policy toward Israel. Throughout the campaign, he sharply criticized American military aid to Israel and positioned himself against the party’s more traditional pro-Israel wing, making the race a national proxy battle over the Democratic Party’s direction.

El-Sayed has also faced criticism from political opponents and pro-Israel advocates over his rhetoric regarding Israel and the Middle East. Critics argue that he has been far more outspoken in condemning Israel than authoritarian regimes in the region, including Iran’s leadership.

During the campaign, opponents also revived scrutiny over El-Sayed’s use of the title “physician” While he holds a medical degree and is technically a doctor, critics argued that some public appearances and campaign messaging could lead voters to believe he practiced as a physician. El-Sayed has responded that he earned his M.D. and has never claimed to be a practicing clinician.

With Michigan expected to be one of the nation’s most competitive Senate battlegrounds this fall, the race between El-Sayed and Rogers is likely to draw national attention and millions of dollars in outside spending—as both parties fight for control of the chamber.