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NewsWPLG Local 10 – PoliticsAugust 5, 2026Miami-Dade

Abdul El-Sayed wins Michigan Democratic Senate primary; John James secures Republican gubernatorial nomination

Abdul El-Sayed defeated Rep. Haley Stevens in the Michigan Democratic Senate primary, setting up a November general election contest against Republican Mike Rogers. Simultaneously, Republican voters selected Rep. John James as their gubernatorial nominee, while other primary contests concluded across Kansas, Missouri, Virginia, and Washington.

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Why It Matters

The outcome of the Michigan Senate race is critical for control of the U.S. Senate, as the seat is currently held by retiring Democratic Sen. Gary Peters.

Key Facts

  • Abdul El-Sayed won the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate seat in Michigan.
  • Rep. John James won the Republican nomination for Michigan governor, overcoming significant self-funding by opponent Perry Johnson.
  • The Michigan Senate seat is open due to the retirement of Democratic Sen. Gary Peters.
  • AIPAC and its affiliates spent over $30 million supporting Rep. Haley Stevens in the Michigan primary.
  • Rep. Wesley Bell defeated former Rep. Cori Bush in the Missouri Democratic primary.
  • In Virginia, Democrats nominated Elaine Luria and Shannon Taylor for swing congressional districts.
  • Tom Perriello won the Democratic nomination for Virginia's 5th District.
  • Perry Johnson spent over $30 million of his own money on his gubernatorial campaign.
  • Rick Jackson previously spent $100 million in a Georgia gubernatorial race.

Who's Mentioned

personHaley Stevens“Defeated candidate in the Michigan Democratic Senate primary”personGary Peters“Retiring Democratic U.S. Senator from Michigan”personJohn James“Republican nominee for Michigan governor”personMike Rogers“Republican nominee for the U.S. Senate in Michigan”personAbdul El-Sayed“Winner of the Michigan Democratic Senate primary”organizationAIPAC“American Israel Public Affairs Committee; active in primary spending”