Black Michiganders helped push Abdul El-Sayed to victory – but the numbers show he was less popular with this key voting bloc than some other Democratic candidates

In Michigan's 2026 U.S. Senate race, Progressive candidate Abdul El-Sayed secured victory, despite facing skepticism about his appeal to Black voters. With Detroit being approximately 75% Black and 62% of Detroit voters supporting U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens in the primary, it was uncertain whether El-Sayed could win Black voter support.

However, after emphasizing his plans to benefit Black Americans, including supporting minority-owned businesses, affordable housing, food deserts, and Rx Kids cash assistance nationwide, El-Sayed's lead in the general election expanded to 70.6% of Wayne County votes, which encompasses Detroit. El-Sayed also won 52% of the state-wide votes, beating his Republican opponent Mike Rogers significantly.

This outcome contradicts the initial assumption that Black voters might not align with El-Sayed's progressive platform. The high turnout in Detroit (209,924 residents) and statewide (209,924 residents) further solidified El-Sayed's win. Despite Black voters' general preference for Democratic candidates, their support and turnout can significantly impact close races, as seen in El-Sayed's victory and Joe Biden's defeat in 2024.