Progressive candidate Abdul El-Sayed won the Democratic U.S. Senate primary in Michigan, marking a significant victory for the party’s left wing. El-Sayed narrowly defeated moderate U.S. Representative Haley Stevens, who had strong backing from Democratic leadership and pro-Israel groups, with a 48.5% to 47.5% lead as of Wednesday morning. The big picture: The race was viewed as a critical test of the Democratic Party’s direction, especially in a major swing state that President Donald Trump won in 2024. Stevens’ campaign and allies spent tens of millions, largely from a pro-Israel super PAC, arguing that she would be more electable in November. Michigan’s large Arab American population, where opposition to Israeli policies is strong, likely boosted El-Sayed’s support.