Michigan Progressives Abdul El-Sayed, Will Lawrence Near Primary Wins Despite $60 Million Ad Blitz
Updated
Updated · The American Prospect · Aug 4
Michigan Progressives Abdul El-Sayed, Will Lawrence Near Primary Wins Despite $60 Million Ad Blitz
3 articles · Updated · The American Prospect · Aug 4
Summary
Polling and field reports point to Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan’s Senate primary and Will Lawrence in the 7th District defeating centrist-backed rivals in two of Tuesday’s most closely watched Democratic contests.
$60 million in advertising — about half from AIPAC’s United Democracy Project — has failed to lift El-Sayed’s opponent Haley Stevens, while even surveys from groups backing Lawrence’s rivals have shown him ahead.
Both candidates built their campaigns around anti-establishment themes and local issues, especially opposition to data centers; El-Sayed also emphasized Gaza, outside money and Medicare for All.
Michigan Democratic leaders lined up heavily against them — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Sen. Gary Peters backed Stevens, while Sen. Elissa Slotkin endorsed one of Lawrence’s opponents — underscoring establishment anxiety over progressive gains.
A win for Lawrence would test Democratic electability assumptions in a toss-up seat, though House campaign operatives already say they will back the nominee in November.