Abdul El-Sayed, a political figure from the progressive wing of the Democratic Party, is expected to win the Democratic primary for the US Senate in Michigan, in a race that has highlighted divisions within the party over its political direction.
According to projections from CBS News, the BBC’s American partner, El-Sayed has defeated Democratic Congresswoman Haley Stevens, who has served four terms in the House of Representatives.
El-Sayed, a former public health official, has campaigned on progressive policies, supporting universal health care, the abolition of the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency, and the end of unconditional US military aid to Israel.
If his victory is officially confirmed, he will face Republican candidate Mike Rogers, an ally of President Donald Trump, in the November election.
El-Sayed, the son of Egyptian immigrants, could become the first Muslim senator in United States history if he wins the general election, writes the BBC.
“The movement to get money out of politics, put money in people’s pockets and pass Medicare for all is a great movement,” El-Sayed declared after the result, reiterating one of the key messages of his campaign.
He pledged to represent all Michigan citizens, regardless of whether they supported him or not and regardless of whether they voted for Kamala Harris or Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election.
His opponent, Haley Stevens, congratulated El-Sayed on his victory and declared that she would support him in the race against Republican Mike Rogers.
The Michigan race has reflected divisions within the Democratic Party, particularly on issues of foreign policy and Israel. El-Sayed has opposed unconditional US aid to Israel, while Stevens has maintained a strong pro-Israel stance.
El-Sayed’s campaign has received the support of prominent figures in the progressive wing of the Democratic Party, including Senator Bernie Sanders and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Meanwhile, Stevens has been endorsed by Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and outgoing Senator Gary Peters.
US President Donald Trump reacted to the result by calling it “big news for the Republican Party.” In a post on the Truth Social platform, he criticized the Democratic Party and claimed that its policies will become even more extreme.
November’s Senate elections in Michigan will be of great importance for the balance of power in Washington during the final two years of Trump’s term.
Michigan is considered a key state in the American elections. In the 2020 presidential race, it voted for Democrat Joe Biden, while in 2024 it returned to Donald Trump. /Telegraph/