Three Michigan races put the progressive movement's reach on display
Michigan progressives woke up Wednesday after a banner night: Abdul El-Sayed leads the uncalled Democratic Senate primary, Will Lawrence won a battleground House nomination, and Donavan McKinney threatens to oust Rep. Shri Thanedar. Of the three Democratic primaries, only Lawrence's victory has been called. Why it matters: A sweep would signal the left's growing strength in a key swing state. The…
Michigan's progressive movement achieved a major victory on Wednesday, as three races showcased the party's growing influence in the swing state. Abdul El-Sayed leads the Democratic Senate primary, Will Lawrence won a competitive House nomination, and Donavan McKinney poses a threat to incumbent Rep. Shri Thanedar. The only race with a declared winner is Lawrence's, who upset the incumbent by a 15-point margin in a crucial 7th district seat.
McKinney, a Democratic Socialist of America member, is in a tight race against Thanedar, potentially making the House Democrat the latest to be ousted by the left. The Democratic Socialists of America, the Working Families Party, and the United Auto Workers demonstrated their strength throughout the election, ousting several incumbent candidates.
El-Sayed, a former Wayne County health director, leads the Senate race against Republican Mike Rogers with a narrow 48.5%–47.5% lead. The Democratic Party's establishment and progressive wings engaged in a fierce battle, with El-Sayed not officially identifying as a democratic socialist, but gaining significant support from DSA members.
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