LANSING, Mich. — Voters in Michigan cast ballots Tuesday in a Democratic primary shaping the fight for control of the U.S. Senate, pitting progressive Abdul El-Sayed against moderate Representative Haley Stevens. The winner advances to face Republican Mike Rogers, who is running unopposed for his party's nomination.
The seat opened after Senator Gary Peters announced in January 2025 he would not seek re-election. Peters served three terms in the House and two in the Senate. His exit strips Democrats of an incumbent advantage.
Republicans currently hold a 53-47 Senate majority. Democrats almost certainly need to hold Michigan to have any path to recapturing the chamber in November.
More than $40 million in outside spending has poured into the race — a steep sum for a primary. Much of it has flowed in support of Stevens or against El-Sayed, including funds from groups associated with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee.
Representative Debbie Dingell, a Michigan Democrat who has stayed neutral in the primary, said the party must unite to win the House and Senate in November.
El-Sayed represents the party's left wing; Stevens aligns with its centrist faction. That division will test Democratic unity heading into the general election regardless of who wins tonight.
Rogers, unburdened by a primary fight, has spent the past months conserving resources and building toward November. Any lingering fractures among Democrats will work in his favor.
