Abdul El-Sayed, a physician and progressive leader who supports the Palestinian cause, has won the Democratic Party’s Senate nomination in the US state of Michigan. In results announced on Wednesday, he defeated Congresswoman Haley Stevens. This contest was one of the most expensive and high-profile primary elections in US history.
According to an NBC News report, total spending on the election neared $65 million, with a significant portion spent in an attempt to block El-Sayed’s victory. With 92.9 percent of the votes counted, El-Sayed secured 48.7 percent, while Stevens received 47.3 percent.
This victory is being viewed as a major blow to pro-Israel lobbying groups, particularly AIPAC. AIPAC had spent over $30 million to support Stevens and defeat El-Sayed, one of the Democratic Party’s most outspoken pro-Palestine candidates. Following the victory, State Legislator Mallory McMorrow—who had previously withdrawn from the race—expressed her support for El-Sayed.
After his victory was confirmed, the 41-year-old physician and leader told supporters in Detroit that a bigger battle lies ahead. He is set to face former Republican Congressman Mike Rogers this coming November. The election is crucial, as it could help determine which party controls the Senate during the final two years of President Donald Trump’s term. Addressing Rogers directly, El-Sayed said, “Mike, we are coming for you.”
El-Sayed’s victory marks a watershed moment for progressive Democrats and Arab-American voters. They rallied behind El-Sayed out of opposition to Israel’s war in Gaza and dissatisfaction with the Democratic Party’s traditional pro-Israel stance. During the campaign, El-Sayed alleged that attempts were being made to “buy” the election using outside money.
On the campaign trail, El-Sayed described Israel’s military offensive in Gaza as “genocide.” He argued that the billions of dollars in military aid provided to Israel should be halted and instead invested in American healthcare, housing, education, and infrastructure. This position resonated strongly with Michigan voters who had organized against Joe Biden due to his staunch support for the war in Gaza.
