With 70% of the estimated vote counted, CNN shows El-Sayed leading Stevens by 49.8% to 46.3%
\n WASHINGTON
\nProgressive candidate Abdul El-Sayed held a narrow lead over US Representative Haley Stevens in Michigan\u2019s Democratic US Senate primary on Tuesday, though the outcome of a race viewed as a major test of the Democratic Party\u2019s future remained uncertain.
\nWith 70% of the estimated vote counted, CNN showed El-Sayed leading Stevens by 49.8% to 46.3%.
\nThe contest has emerged as one of the clearest tests yet of the direction of the Democratic Party, pitting El-Sayed\u2019s campaign against Stevens, an establishment-backed moderate supported by Democratic leaders and pro-Israel groups.
\nThe race was being closely watched for clues about whether Democratic voters in a crucial swing state are receptive to candidates who challenge party leaders and champion an agenda focused on lowering costs, expanding healthcare coverage and restricting the role of big money in elections.
\nThe winner will face Republican Mike Rogers in November in a race critical to Democrats\u2019 hopes of regaining control of the US Senate.
\nBattle between progressives and moderates
\nThe Democratic race is the latest battleground between progressives and moderates over US support for Israel, an issue that has played out in primaries nationwide this year. But unlike contests in liberal bastions, this is a statewide race in a Midwestern swing state for a seat Democrats must win in the fight for Senate control.
\nMichigan is both a presidential battleground and home to one of the country\u2019s largest Arab American communities, making it an important testing ground for Democrats\u2019 electoral and ideological future.
\nUS Representative Debbie Dingell, a Michigan Democrat who stayed neutral in the primary, said the party needs to quickly coalesce behind its nominee because too much is at stake.
\n\u201cThis race is about how people are hurting,\u201d she said in an interview while voting was under way, citing cost concerns over groceries, gas, rent and healthcare as the issues that will matter in November.
\nIsrael\u2019s favorability rating among Democrats fell from 59% in 2018 to 22% in May, according to Reuters\/Ipsos polling. But the primary is also a test of broader voter frustrations over economic concerns and the party establishment.<\/p>\n
An expected 2028 impact
\nThe race is likely to be scrutinised by prospective 2028 presidential contenders searching for a message to reconnect with voters after the party\u2019s 2024 defeat. A victory for El-Sayed could intensify debate within Democratic ranks over the political appeal of economic populism, anti-establishment campaigning and a tougher approach toward Israel.
\nA Reuters\/Ipsos poll released on Tuesday found self-described liberals now make up 71% of Democrats, up from 55% in 2012, while large majorities said universal healthcare, expanded abortion access and higher taxes on corporations and the wealthy are essential policy positions.
\nThe poll also found deep Democratic skepticism of US support for Israel, a central issue in the Michigan race. Only 16% of Democrats backed continued military and economic aid to Israel, while 57% opposed it.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
With 70% of the estimated vote counted, CNN shows El-Sayed leading Stevens by 49.8% to 46.3% WASHINGTON Progressive candidate Abdul El-Sayed held a narrow lead over US Representative Haley Stevens in Michigan\u2019s Democratic US Senate primary on Tuesday, though the outcome of a race viewed as a major test of the Democratic Party\u2019s future remained […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":560354,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-560343","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-world"],"yoast_head":"\n