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Abdul El-Sayed narrowly wins Michigan Senate primary, vows to unite Democratic Party after bruising campaign

Abdul El-Sayed, a progressive candidate in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate in Michigan, speaks during a primary election night event Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026, at the Majestic Theatre in Detroit. (Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP)
Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP
Abdul El-Sayed, a progressive candidate in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate in Michigan, speaks during a primary election night event Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026, at the Majestic Theatre in Detroit. (Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP)

A progressive that supports single-payer health care and opposes U.S. military support of Israel narrowly prevailed in his Senate primary. Abdul El-Sayed beat Democratic rival Rep. Haley Stevens by less than a percentage point in Michigan. He’ll face former Republican Rep. Mike Rogers in a race that could determine control of the Senate this November.

Host Scott Tong discusses the heated primary with Detroit journalist Stephen Henderson.

This article was originally published on WBUR.org.

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