El-Sayed vs. Stevens

Michigan's expensive Democratic Senate primary pits Abdul El-Sayed against Haley Stevens.

•Balanced

Sen. Jeanne Shaheen Backs Haley Stevens over El-Sayed in Michigan

This Very Ugly Exchange Between El-Sayed and Stevens in MI Senate Race Is Likely to Help the GOP

Abdul El-Sayed’s Argument for America—and Against His Own Party

Summary

A neutral summary of the key facts most outlets agree on, drawn from reporting across the political spectrum.

Sen. Jeanne Shaheen endorsed Rep. Haley Stevens this week in Michigan’s Democratic U.S. Senate primary, adding to a series of Senate endorsements for Stevens against Abdul El-Sayed before Tuesday’s vote. The open-seat contest has drawn more super PAC spending than any previous Democratic congressional primary, with most outside money aimed at helping Stevens defeat El-Sayed. El-Sayed, a former public health official backed by Bernie Sanders, is running on Medicare for All and criticism of AIPAC and Israel policy. Stevens, a four-term House member, has attacked El-Sayed over his AIPAC criticism as polls show him gaining ground.

The Coverage

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Mostly commentary

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Coverage Angles

Party Direction FightLeans Left

Michigan’s Democratic Senate primary is a proxy battle over where the Democratic Party should go next. Abdul El-Sayed’s campaign embodies a left-wing challenge to the party’s current brand, strategy, and leadership direction.

Super PAC SpendingLeft & Center

The Michigan Democratic Senate primary became the most expensive Democratic congressional primary ever because outside money flooded the race. Super PAC spending largely benefited Haley Stevens as she tried to defeat Abdul El-Sayed.