Progressive Abdul El-Sayed clinches historic Democratic nomination for Michigan Senate
Matthew Chapman
August 5, 2026
Matthew Chapman
August 5, 2026
10:00AM ET
RAW ST0RY
L - Haley Stevens (Credit Haley Steven for Senate and Abdul El-Sayed (Christopher J. Dean / Shutterstock.com)
In a huge win for the progressive wing of the Democratic Party, Abdul El-Sayed won the nomination for Senate in Michigan on Wednesday morning.
El-Sayed, a former professor of epidemiology and director of the Detroit Health Department, is projected to defeat Congresswoman Haley Stevens, according to NBC News and CNN.
El-Sayed will run to succeed retiring Democratic Sen. Gary Peters, meaning Democrats are defending a seat they currently hold in a state Trump narrowly won in 2024.
The result follows a long and contentious campaign that sought to decide the direction of the Democratic Party on a number of issues, ranging from health care to international relations with Israel.
El-Sayed is now set to face off in the November general election against former Republican Rep. Mike Rogers, who has himself faced a number of controversies, including allegations that he secretly lives in Florida.
L - Haley Stevens (Credit Haley Steven for Senate and Abdul El-Sayed (Christopher J. Dean / Shutterstock.com)
In a huge win for the progressive wing of the Democratic Party, Abdul El-Sayed won the nomination for Senate in Michigan on Wednesday morning.
El-Sayed, a former professor of epidemiology and director of the Detroit Health Department, is projected to defeat Congresswoman Haley Stevens, according to NBC News and CNN.
El-Sayed will run to succeed retiring Democratic Sen. Gary Peters, meaning Democrats are defending a seat they currently hold in a state Trump narrowly won in 2024.
The result follows a long and contentious campaign that sought to decide the direction of the Democratic Party on a number of issues, ranging from health care to international relations with Israel.
El-Sayed is now set to face off in the November general election against former Republican Rep. Mike Rogers, who has himself faced a number of controversies, including allegations that he secretly lives in Florida.
El-Sayed Challenges ‘Corporate Sellout’ and ‘Coward’ Mike Rogers to Five Debates
The Michigan Democrat called his Republican opponent “a guy who spent 14 years in Congress with one goal: to figure out how to cash out the day he left,” and promised to send him back to Florida in November.
Abdul El-Sayed, the winner of Michigan’s Democratic US Senate primary, speaks during a press conference in front of the Spirit of Detroit statue on August 5, 2026.
(Photo by Finn Gomez/Getty Images)
Jessica Corbett
Aug 05, 2026
COMMON DREAMS
After winning Michigan’s Democratic primary contest for US Senate, Abdul El-Sayed wasted no time on Wednesday, challenging the Republican nominee, former Congressman Mike Rogers, to five debates before the November general election.
“Mike,” El-Sayed said at a podium while speaking with reporters on Wednesday morning, “I know you’re gonna say no ‘cause you’re a coward: Five debates, all right?”
Progressives Aim to Defeat AIPAC Cash, Democratic Establishment in Michigan and Missouri Primaries
Democrats Line Up Behind Abdul El-Sayed as He Clinches US Senate Nomination in Michigan
“If you’re willing to stand with me and have a conversation—you and I both know that you will wither in front of your own crimes. But Imma make sure Michiganders know about them,” he continued. “By the time we’re done, you are not gonna have safe quarter from people holding you accountable to what you’ve done for them here in Michigan. We will send you back to Florida where you belong.”
Ripping Rogers as a “corporate sellout,” El-Sayed said that he is “a guy who spent 14 years in Congress with one goal: to figure out how to cash out the day he left. And guess what he did: As soon as he left Congress, after having taken corporate check after corporate check after corporate check, to empower the corporations to pick your pockets, he went and he cashed out.”
“Not in Michigan—no, winters are too cold for him,” he added, eliciting chuckles from the crowd. “He’s got thin skin, after all. He went to Florida. So, Mike, if you wanna be a Florida man, go be a Florida man.”
Rogers‚ who was unopposed in Tuesday’s GOP primary, worked for the Federal Bureau of Investigation before entering politics, first at the state level and then representing Michigan’s 8th District in Congress from 2001-15. In comments to Fox News late Tuesday, the Republican cited his time fighting “terrorism” in the FBI and falsely claimed that El-Sayed believes “America deserved 9/11.”
“This is really about the heart and soul of our country,” Rogers said of the race just minutes after El-Sayed, a son of Egyptian immigrants, declared victory over Democratic Congresswoman Haley Stevens. “I have never seen someone so radical, so extreme, get nominated by a political party... The Democrat party is lost to this hardcore socialist attitude.”
The Democratic Socialists of America did not endorse El-Sayed, but his victory is part of a wave of recent primary wins by progressive congressional candidates, from New York and Pennsylvania to Colorado. The trend continued in other closely watched Michigan races on Tuesday, with William Lawrence winning in the 7th Congressional District and Donavan McKinney in the 13th District.
Like other victorious progressives, El-Sayed ran on a platform prioritizing working-class people; a former public health official, he especially focused on the fight for Medicare for All. Bridge Michigan reported Wednesday that “El-Sayed has said he doesn’t consider himself a democratic socialist and rejects the notion that his views are extreme in today’s political climate.”
“In an era where our premiums are quickly pricing people out, I think being for Medicare for All is… the moderate position,” El-Sayed previously told the outlet. In an era where President Donald Trump “is weaponizing” US immigration and Customs Enforcement “against the Constitution itself,” he added, “I think abolishing ICE is a moderate position.”
While key party leaders nationwide have often backed establishment candidates over progressives in recent primaries, including El-Sayed v. Stevens, Democrats in Michigan and across the country are already rallying behind the victor, with even the congresswoman he defeated showing her support on Wednesday.
“Mike Rogers represents everything people hate about politics: He sold Michiganders out to the corporate special interests cutting him checks, abandoned Michigan for a Florida mansion, and got rich advising the industries he regulated in Congress,” Michigan Democratic Party spokesperson Joey Hannum said in a statement after the primary election.
“As Trump’s approval rating plummets to record lows, Rogers is still pledging to rubber stamp his toxic agenda, mocking Michiganders’ concerns about rising costs, and saying he would focus on ‘shielding’ the Trump administration and billionaires like Elon Musk from accountability, rather than stand up for working families,” Hannum said. “Michigan Democrats will hold Rogers accountable for his corruption, expose his price-hiking agenda, and defeat him a second time this November.”
The Michigan Democrat called his Republican opponent “a guy who spent 14 years in Congress with one goal: to figure out how to cash out the day he left,” and promised to send him back to Florida in November.
Abdul El-Sayed, the winner of Michigan’s Democratic US Senate primary, speaks during a press conference in front of the Spirit of Detroit statue on August 5, 2026.
(Photo by Finn Gomez/Getty Images)
Jessica Corbett
Aug 05, 2026
COMMON DREAMS
After winning Michigan’s Democratic primary contest for US Senate, Abdul El-Sayed wasted no time on Wednesday, challenging the Republican nominee, former Congressman Mike Rogers, to five debates before the November general election.
“Mike,” El-Sayed said at a podium while speaking with reporters on Wednesday morning, “I know you’re gonna say no ‘cause you’re a coward: Five debates, all right?”
Progressives Aim to Defeat AIPAC Cash, Democratic Establishment in Michigan and Missouri Primaries
Democrats Line Up Behind Abdul El-Sayed as He Clinches US Senate Nomination in Michigan
“If you’re willing to stand with me and have a conversation—you and I both know that you will wither in front of your own crimes. But Imma make sure Michiganders know about them,” he continued. “By the time we’re done, you are not gonna have safe quarter from people holding you accountable to what you’ve done for them here in Michigan. We will send you back to Florida where you belong.”
Ripping Rogers as a “corporate sellout,” El-Sayed said that he is “a guy who spent 14 years in Congress with one goal: to figure out how to cash out the day he left. And guess what he did: As soon as he left Congress, after having taken corporate check after corporate check after corporate check, to empower the corporations to pick your pockets, he went and he cashed out.”
“Not in Michigan—no, winters are too cold for him,” he added, eliciting chuckles from the crowd. “He’s got thin skin, after all. He went to Florida. So, Mike, if you wanna be a Florida man, go be a Florida man.”
Rogers‚ who was unopposed in Tuesday’s GOP primary, worked for the Federal Bureau of Investigation before entering politics, first at the state level and then representing Michigan’s 8th District in Congress from 2001-15. In comments to Fox News late Tuesday, the Republican cited his time fighting “terrorism” in the FBI and falsely claimed that El-Sayed believes “America deserved 9/11.”
“This is really about the heart and soul of our country,” Rogers said of the race just minutes after El-Sayed, a son of Egyptian immigrants, declared victory over Democratic Congresswoman Haley Stevens. “I have never seen someone so radical, so extreme, get nominated by a political party... The Democrat party is lost to this hardcore socialist attitude.”
The Democratic Socialists of America did not endorse El-Sayed, but his victory is part of a wave of recent primary wins by progressive congressional candidates, from New York and Pennsylvania to Colorado. The trend continued in other closely watched Michigan races on Tuesday, with William Lawrence winning in the 7th Congressional District and Donavan McKinney in the 13th District.
Like other victorious progressives, El-Sayed ran on a platform prioritizing working-class people; a former public health official, he especially focused on the fight for Medicare for All. Bridge Michigan reported Wednesday that “El-Sayed has said he doesn’t consider himself a democratic socialist and rejects the notion that his views are extreme in today’s political climate.”
“In an era where our premiums are quickly pricing people out, I think being for Medicare for All is… the moderate position,” El-Sayed previously told the outlet. In an era where President Donald Trump “is weaponizing” US immigration and Customs Enforcement “against the Constitution itself,” he added, “I think abolishing ICE is a moderate position.”
While key party leaders nationwide have often backed establishment candidates over progressives in recent primaries, including El-Sayed v. Stevens, Democrats in Michigan and across the country are already rallying behind the victor, with even the congresswoman he defeated showing her support on Wednesday.
“Mike Rogers represents everything people hate about politics: He sold Michiganders out to the corporate special interests cutting him checks, abandoned Michigan for a Florida mansion, and got rich advising the industries he regulated in Congress,” Michigan Democratic Party spokesperson Joey Hannum said in a statement after the primary election.
“As Trump’s approval rating plummets to record lows, Rogers is still pledging to rubber stamp his toxic agenda, mocking Michiganders’ concerns about rising costs, and saying he would focus on ‘shielding’ the Trump administration and billionaires like Elon Musk from accountability, rather than stand up for working families,” Hannum said. “Michigan Democrats will hold Rogers accountable for his corruption, expose his price-hiking agenda, and defeat him a second time this November.”
Nicole Charky-Chami
August 5, 2026
RAW STORY
Abdul El-Sayed, winner of Michigan U.S, Democratic primary, is escorted out following a press conference in Detroit, Michigan, on August 5, 2026. REUTERS/Rebecca Cook
Abdul El-Sayed's victory in Michigan's Democratic Senate primary has become an "earthquake for the Democratic Party old guard," an analyst reported Wednesday.
Investigative journalist Ken Klippenstein detailed in his Substack how the historic upset was something Democrats hadn't seen since the rise of former President Barack Obama.
"The irony here is that Obama actually won the 2008 presidential primary by less than El-Sayed — just half a percent of the popular vote," Klippenstein explained.
"This is a massive defeat for the Democratic Party old guard and an affirmation that the new crop of outsider, renegade candidates are the people’s choice," Klippenstein wrote.
This has stunned the party's leadership.
"Chuck Schumer, Nancy Pelosi, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer — basically the entire Democratic establishment endorsed Haley Stevens, a textbook party stooge. For her to still lose is a repudiation and humiliation of not just Stevens but the entire political death star behind her," Klippenstein wrote.
He added that the win should be a sign of where the party will head next.
"But the real story here is bigger than El-Sayed," Klippenstein wrote. "It’s that voters were not swayed by an avalanche of big money and big people. Instead, they hoisted a bigger finger than we’ve seen since Barack Obama’s own primary upset in 2008, when he defeated party leader-approved Hillary Clinton. Any media outlet that doesn’t acknowledge that is on the side of big money and big people."
Abdul El-Sayed, winner of Michigan U.S, Democratic primary, is escorted out following a press conference in Detroit, Michigan, on August 5, 2026. REUTERS/Rebecca Cook
Abdul El-Sayed's victory in Michigan's Democratic Senate primary has become an "earthquake for the Democratic Party old guard," an analyst reported Wednesday.
Investigative journalist Ken Klippenstein detailed in his Substack how the historic upset was something Democrats hadn't seen since the rise of former President Barack Obama.
"The irony here is that Obama actually won the 2008 presidential primary by less than El-Sayed — just half a percent of the popular vote," Klippenstein explained.
"This is a massive defeat for the Democratic Party old guard and an affirmation that the new crop of outsider, renegade candidates are the people’s choice," Klippenstein wrote.
This has stunned the party's leadership.
"Chuck Schumer, Nancy Pelosi, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer — basically the entire Democratic establishment endorsed Haley Stevens, a textbook party stooge. For her to still lose is a repudiation and humiliation of not just Stevens but the entire political death star behind her," Klippenstein wrote.
He added that the win should be a sign of where the party will head next.
"But the real story here is bigger than El-Sayed," Klippenstein wrote. "It’s that voters were not swayed by an avalanche of big money and big people. Instead, they hoisted a bigger finger than we’ve seen since Barack Obama’s own primary upset in 2008, when he defeated party leader-approved Hillary Clinton. Any media outlet that doesn’t acknowledge that is on the side of big money and big people."
Ranting Trump smears 'Communist loser' after progressive's narrow win
Alexander Willis
August 5, 2026
Alexander Willis
August 5, 2026
RAW STORY
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to reporters aboard Air Force One en route to Michigan, U.S., July 27, 2026. REUTERS/Evan Vucci
President Donald Trump is already lashing out at presumptive Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed after his apparent electoral victory in Michigan.
Trump slammed the victor and his competitor, U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens, in angry Truth Social Post Wednesday morning in which he argued the El-Sayed's win would actually benefit Republicans come November.
“Great news for the Republican Party," Trump wrote. "El-Sayed, a Communist loser who hates Jews and Israel, is the projected winner in his race with the Socialist.
“As usual, the Polls were way off on this one. She was not expected to do nearly as well as she did. Now, the Dumocrats crazy policies will only get worse!”
El-Sayed is the projected winner of Tuesday’s Democratic primary election in his bid for Senate, his victory representing the latest win for the progressive wing of the party.
Moments earlier, Trump warned that El-Sayed had a “real shot” of defeating former Rep. Mike Rogers (R-MI), citing unsubstantiated claims of voter fraud in Michigan.
“The Radical Left Socialist has a real shot, and don’t discount all of those fake mail-in ballots that will ‘surprisingly’ show up at the last moment,” Trump wrote in a previous social media post.
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to reporters aboard Air Force One en route to Michigan, U.S., July 27, 2026. REUTERS/Evan Vucci
President Donald Trump is already lashing out at presumptive Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed after his apparent electoral victory in Michigan.
Trump slammed the victor and his competitor, U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens, in angry Truth Social Post Wednesday morning in which he argued the El-Sayed's win would actually benefit Republicans come November.
“Great news for the Republican Party," Trump wrote. "El-Sayed, a Communist loser who hates Jews and Israel, is the projected winner in his race with the Socialist.
“As usual, the Polls were way off on this one. She was not expected to do nearly as well as she did. Now, the Dumocrats crazy policies will only get worse!”
El-Sayed is the projected winner of Tuesday’s Democratic primary election in his bid for Senate, his victory representing the latest win for the progressive wing of the party.
Moments earlier, Trump warned that El-Sayed had a “real shot” of defeating former Rep. Mike Rogers (R-MI), citing unsubstantiated claims of voter fraud in Michigan.
“The Radical Left Socialist has a real shot, and don’t discount all of those fake mail-in ballots that will ‘surprisingly’ show up at the last moment,” Trump wrote in a previous social media post.
Trump panics over progressive Dem’s 'real shot' at taking down MAGA ex-rep: ‘Get ready’
Alexander Willis
August 5, 2026
Alexander Willis
August 5, 2026
RAW STORY
U.S. President Donald Trump arrives at Los Angeles International Airport, in California, U.S., August 4, 2026. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein
President Donald Trump issued a call to Michigan voters Wednesday to support former Rep. Mike Rogers (R-MI) in the upcoming general election following the strong performance of Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, whom the president warned had “a real shot” at defeating the Republican.
In Trump’s plea, he also predicted, without evidence, that the upcoming general election in Michigan would see a surge of “fake mail-in ballots” for El-Sayed.
“Wayne County (Detroit) in Michigan is one of the most corrupt voting areas in the United States, if not the World. It is strictly Third World! Miracles happen in Wayne County, including more votes being cast than there are voters, by a lot,” Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social.
“Therefore, the Communist, who is not liked in Detroit, is potentially in ‘Vote Counter’ trouble. The Radical Left Socialist has a real shot, and don’t discount all of those fake mail-in ballots that will ‘surprisingly’ show up at the last moment. Get ready for another Rigged Election. In November we must VOTE FOR MIKE ROGERS, and make Michigan TOO BIG TO RIG.”
Trump has long made false claims regarding systemic election fraud, despite evidence repeatedly proving said claims to be false.
While some media outlets have yet to call the race, NBC News and Decision Desk have both called the race for El-Sayed.
Editor's note: This story has been corrected to reflect that Mike Rogers is a former member of the U.S. House of Representatives, not a senator.
U.S. President Donald Trump arrives at Los Angeles International Airport, in California, U.S., August 4, 2026. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein
President Donald Trump issued a call to Michigan voters Wednesday to support former Rep. Mike Rogers (R-MI) in the upcoming general election following the strong performance of Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, whom the president warned had “a real shot” at defeating the Republican.
In Trump’s plea, he also predicted, without evidence, that the upcoming general election in Michigan would see a surge of “fake mail-in ballots” for El-Sayed.
“Wayne County (Detroit) in Michigan is one of the most corrupt voting areas in the United States, if not the World. It is strictly Third World! Miracles happen in Wayne County, including more votes being cast than there are voters, by a lot,” Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social.
“Therefore, the Communist, who is not liked in Detroit, is potentially in ‘Vote Counter’ trouble. The Radical Left Socialist has a real shot, and don’t discount all of those fake mail-in ballots that will ‘surprisingly’ show up at the last moment. Get ready for another Rigged Election. In November we must VOTE FOR MIKE ROGERS, and make Michigan TOO BIG TO RIG.”
Trump has long made false claims regarding systemic election fraud, despite evidence repeatedly proving said claims to be false.
While some media outlets have yet to call the race, NBC News and Decision Desk have both called the race for El-Sayed.
Editor's note: This story has been corrected to reflect that Mike Rogers is a former member of the U.S. House of Representatives, not a senator.
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