Two Candidates and a Fractured Party Took the Stage in Detroit
AIPAC’s record spending on Stevens drew repeated attacks as both candidates clashed over Israel policy and super PAC money.
- On Monday, U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens and former public health official Abdul El-Sayed debated ahead of the August 4 primary, with American Israel Public Affairs Committee record-breaking campaign spending dominating the discussion.
- Outside groups, primarily the AIPAC-affiliated United Democracy Project, have poured nearly $24 million into the race to support Stevens, fueling tensions within the Democratic Party over the influence of money in politics.
- El-Sayed criticized the scale of corporate influence and 'foreign government' aid, while Stevens countered by attacking El-Sayed's financial disclosures, revealing his net worth could reach $2.1 million, and touting her legislative experience.
- The winner will face former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, a Republican endorsed by President Donald Trump, in a general election to fill the seat held by retiring Sen. Gary Peters.
- National observers view this contest as a litmus test for the Democratic Party, as competing factions debate whether to prioritize institutional experience or progressive, anti-establishment platforms in swing-state races.
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Michigan Advance
The Herald PalladiumState of the Race: Democratic U.S. Senate race pits old guard, vanguard in battle for party’s soul
U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens, left, and former Wayne County Health Director Abdul El-Sayed, right, participate in a U.S. Senate candidate debate during the Mackinac Policy Conference on Mackinac Island, Mich., on May 28, 2026. (Photo by Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)In August, Michigan Democrats will once again be asked to vote in a bellwether statewide election that could also determine the future electoral prospects of the national party. Whether vo…
Two candidates and a fractured party took the stage in Detroit
The fissure splitting the Democratic Party was on stage in Detroit Monday night as Abdul el-Sayed, a healthcare official from Detroit who is critical of U.S. support of Israel, faced off against Rep. Haley Stevens, representing a district northwest of Detroit and a self-described ally of the Middle Eastern country. That split was sewn into much of the hour-long debate, which touched on a range of issues from affordability and education to health…
Israel, AIPAC take center stage in final Michigan Senate primary debate
If Michigan’s Democratic Senate primary has become a test case for the saliency of AIPAC and Israel as a political issue for Democratic voters, then Monday night’s debate between Abdul El-Sayed, a far-left former public health official, and Rep. Haley Stevens (D-MI) served as the ultimate battlefield —and illustrated the gulf between the two candidates on the issue. Over the course of an hourlong debate, El-Sayed made clear that he believes his …
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