Progressive Challengers Topple Two Incumbents in Michigan Primaries
Michigan voters delivered several notable results in Tuesday's primary election, setting up a high-stakes Senate race and a wave of progressive wins that could reshape the state's congressional delegation heading into November.
Senate: El-Sayed Defeats Stevens
Progressive Dr. Abdul El-Sayed defeated Rep. Haley Stevens to win the Democratic nomination for Michigan's open Senate seat, according to projections from the Associated Press, CNN, NBC News and Fox News. El-Sayed will face former Republican Rep. Mike Rogers in November in what's expected to be one of the most closely watched Senate races in the country, and a race Democrats consider must-win as they look to flip seats nationally.
Governor: Benson and James Advance
In the race to succeed term-limited Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Republican Rep. John James both won their respective primaries, according to ABC News projections, setting up a general election matchup this November. If elected, James would become the first Black Republican governor in Michigan's history.
A Rough Night for Michigan's Progressive Wing Turns Out Strong
Tuesday's results extended a pattern of progressive Democratic challengers unseating establishment incumbents. In Michigan's 13th Congressional District, based in Detroit, state Rep. Donavan McKinney defeated incumbent Rep. Shri Thanedar, according to projections from CNN and ABC News, becoming the latest sitting Democrat to lose a primary to a more progressive challenger this cycle. McKinney's win is expected to help restore Black congressional representation to the district.
In the 7th Congressional District, Democratic Socialists of America member William Lawrence defeated two more moderate candidates for the Democratic nomination, according to ABC News. Lawrence, who was backed by Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, built his campaign in part around opposition to data center development in the district, a message that resonated with voters in the central Michigan community. He'll face Republican incumbent Rep. Tom Barrett in November. Some Democratic officials had expressed concern ahead of the primary that Lawrence's more progressive positioning could complicate the party's chances of holding the seat in a competitive district, and there were calls for one of his more moderate rivals to drop out and consolidate support, though that consolidation never materialized.
Lawrence's win marks the fifth House primary this cycle in which a candidate backed by the Democratic Socialists of America has defeated a more centrist opponent nationally, part of a broader trend of progressive momentum building within the party's primary electorate this year.
What's Next
Tuesday's primary also included down-ballot races for the Michigan state Legislature and various local municipal contests. With the primary results now largely settled in the state's marquee races, both parties will turn their attention to the general election in November, which includes not only the open Senate and governor's races but several competitive U.S. House contests that could help determine control of Congress.
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