El-Sayed and Stevens in tight Michigan Democratic Senate primary contest

The Michigan Democratic Senate primary race remains unresolved, with progressive Abdul El-Sayed maintaining a slim advantage over moderate Haley Stevens as votes are still being tallied. CBS News, reporting Wednesday night, indicated the contest leaned in El-Sayed's favor. The contest between the progressive health official and the moderate congresswoman has become a fierce battleground between the national Democratic Party's ideological factions.

The primary victor will face off against Republican Rep. Mike Rogers in November. The election — opened by Democratic Sen. Gary Peters' retirement — could decide which party controls the U.S. Senate next year. With over 95% of the statewide vote counted, El-Sayed leads by double digits in Kent County (Grand Rapids), Washtenaw County (Ann Arbor), Kalamazoo County, and Ingham County (Lansing).

Stevens holds an edge in Wayne County (Detroit), Oakland County, Macomb County, and Flint. Both candidates addressed supporters early Wednesday, expressing optimism but acknowledging the delay in determining the winner. El-Sayed boasted about his statewide lead and asserted they were on track to vastly surpass historical voting numbers.

Stevens stated they are still awaiting results but expressed optimism, citing the large number of uncounted votes in Detroit. The Democratic primary transformed into a two-candidate race after state Sen. Mallory McMorrow dropped out last month, leaving Stevens to face El-Sayed. El-Sayed, a former gubernatorial candidate, received support from progressives like Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

Stevens was recruited by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and endorsed by Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. The race has become increasingly contentious, with El-Sayed criticizing outside funding supporting Stevens, particularly from groups linked to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee. Stevens countered by portraying El-Sayed as a "celebrity candidate."

The U.S.-Israel relationship has been a recurring theme, with El-Sayed strongly opposing U.S. aid to Israel while Stevens supports the alliance. Both candidates have focused on cost-of-living issues but presented contrasting visions. Stevens described himself as "Michigan's workhorse" and criticized his opponent, while El-Sayed believed Michigan voters were "sick and tired of the establishment bought off by corporations on both sides of the political aisle."