Democratic Rep. Haley Stevens of Michigan on Tuesday endorsed her progressive primary opponent Abdul El-Sayed in the state’s Senate race, following her narrow defeat in last week’s Democratic primary. Stevens, who had been viewed as the establishment-backed candidate, lost by over 15,000 votes to El-Sayed, who secured less than one percentage point more of the vote. The congresswoman framed her endorsement as a commitment to democratic outcomes, stating in a Fox News interview, “That’s called democracy. You don’t sign up for a Democratic Party to be salty grapes and... just continue to hold a grudge.”
El-Sayed will now face former Rep. Mike Rogers, the Republican nominee, in the November general election. Stevens, who had previously drawn contrasts with El-Sayed on issues including U.S. military aid to Israel, reiterated her identity as a “Zionist Democrat” while acknowledging the broader challenges faced by centrist candidates in Democratic primaries. “I’m a patriot. I love our freedoms. I love this country, and, yes, I am still in the Democratic Party, even though folks like me maybe aren’t winning our primaries,” she told America’s Newsroom.
El-Sayed’s campaign strategy and policy stances
El-Sayed’s victory has drawn attention to his campaign’s use of new media platforms, including partnerships with online influencers and streamers. In the final days before the primary, he engaged with content creators, including Hasan Piker, a prominent political streamer, and held events at universities such as the University of Michigan and Michigan State University. Piker, who has been critical of Israel, appeared alongside El-Sayed at these events, which drew large crowds of young voters. Rep. Debbie Dingell, a veteran Democrat who attended one event, described the turnout as unprecedented for a political gathering that year.
El-Sayed, who has rejected the “socialist” label despite backing progressive policies, has called for abolishing ICE and ending U.S. military aid to Israel. His campaign’s reliance on digital platforms reflects a broader trend among politicians targeting younger voters, who increasingly consume news and political content through streaming services rather than traditional outlets.
Stevens’ political positioning and endorsements
Stevens, who had the support of Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and was endorsed by groups including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the AFL-CIO, framed her primary loss as a reflection of shifting dynamics within the Democratic Party. In a statement, she emphasized her continued commitment to the party’s success in the general election, noting, “I believe in democracy. He won the majority of the votes, and I’m going to continue to stand by my positions.”
The primary race also highlighted divisions within the Democratic Party on foreign policy, particularly regarding Israel. Stevens, who has been recognized for her legislative effectiveness, positioned herself as a pro-Israel Democrat, while El-Sayed’s calls to end military aid to Israel resonated with segments of the party’s progressive base. Outside groups supporting Stevens, including those aligned with pro-Israel advocacy, spent more than $60 million in the race, with over $30 million attributed to organizations associated with support for Israel.
General election outlook
With El-Sayed now the Democratic nominee, the race shifts to the November general election against Rogers, a Republican who previously served in Congress. Michigan, which was carried by former President Donald Trump in 2024, remains a competitive battleground. El-Sayed’s campaign has signaled a focus on mobilizing young voters and progressive coalitions, while Stevens’ endorsement underscores the party’s efforts to unify ahead of the general election.