As the political landscape shifts in Michigan, Abdul El-Sayed’s recent primary success raises the stakes for progressives. Anticipation surrounds how the ensuing scrutiny and backlash will escalate, particularly from those labeling progressives as socialists or worse. The Hill notes this pivotal moment: El-Sayed beats Stevens to take on Rogers in battleground Michigan Senate race.
Experts predict a tough battle ahead in the general election, yet I can’t help but wonder whether AIPAC’s significant opposition to El-Sayed might create a Streisand effect, compelling increased contributions from outside the district.
By Jake Johnson, a staff writer at Common Dreams. Originally published at Common Dreams
Abdul El-Sayed is leading in the Democratic nomination for the US Senate from Michigan, having navigated tens of millions of dollars in negative campaigning from AIPAC and various special interest groups that aimed to tarnish his reputation while boosting his opponent, US Rep. Haley Stevens.
NBC has already declared El-Sayed the winner, although The Associated Press maintains the race is still too close to call, with over 90% of ballots counted. As of early Wednesday, El-Sayed was leading Stevens by approximately 21,000 votes, a margin that translates to just over one percentage point.
In his speech on election night, El-Sayed refrained from a victory shout but expressed pride in the momentum they had created together.
“The movement we built represents a dream: reclaiming our government to serve the people, not the interests of corporations or the wealthy,” El-Sayed told his supporters. “It was audacious to believe in this vision, especially knowing how heavily the billionaires and corporate interests would fight back. They spent an astounding $70 million against us, outpacing our efforts by $11 for every $1 we raised, yet here we stand.”
If El-Sayed secures his place, it would represent a significant defeat for AIPAC, which invested over $30 million in an attempt to undermine him. This financial backing comprised nearly half of the overall external spending in what has become the most expensive Democratic primary race in U.S. history.
“AIPAC’s $30 million investment was intended to thwart Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, but it proved insufficient, as Democratic voters grow weary of extreme views advocating for our tax dollars to fund Israel’s military actions,” remarked Margaret DeReus, executive director of the IMEU Policy Project. “As Michigan plays a critical role in determining the next Democratic presidential candidate, this should serve as a wake-up call for potential contenders in 2028.”
The victor in this Senate race will face off against Republican Mike Rogers come November.
Progressives seem poised for further victories in Michigan, with projections indicating grassroots organizer and climate advocate William Lawrence has won the Democratic primary for the 7th Congressional District. Meanwhile, progressive state Rep. Donavan McKinney is leading against establishment-backed US Rep. Shri Thanedar in the 13th District, boasting over 70% of votes counted.
“AIPAC faced a considerable setback in Michigan,” declared the progressive advocacy group RootsAction in response to the primary outcomes. “Voters have indicated their desire for the proposals that progressives champion, including Medicare for All, an end to perpetual wars, and genuine economic security.”
