Progressive El-Sayed wins Michigan primary in jolt to Democrats

In a contentious primary race for the U.S. Senate seat in Michigan, Abdul El-Sayed emerged victorious over the Democratic establishment's chosen candidate, Rep. Haley Stevens. Despite pouring over $60 million into the contest, Stevens' campaign was outspent by El-Sayed, who received endorsements from figures like Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

AIPAC, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, attempted to counter El-Sayed's platform with $30 million worth of attack ads, attempting to tarnish his reputation with false allegations of misogyny and terrorist sympathies. The race was marked by fierce opposition to Israel's genocide in Gaza and opposition to U.S. military aid to Israel, with El-Sayed explicitly condemning these actions.

Stevens, who had consistently voted in favor of weapons transfers to Israel, also opposed any condition placed on such aid. El-Sayed's victory signals a growing influence of the Democratic left and the waning grip of the pro-Israel lobby in the party. The outcome of the November election, marked by a potential neck-and-neck race between El-Sayed and Republican Mike Rogers, will be crucial for the left in the upcoming midterm elections.