Left-wing political outsider Abdul El-Sayed wins Democratic Senate primary in Michigan - BBC News

Abdul El-Sayed, the son of Egyptian immigrants, would be the first Muslim US senator if elected in November.

Image source, ReutersByAna FaguyPublished5 August 2026, 15:03 BSTUpdated 20 minutes agoLeft-wing political outsider Abdul El-Sayed is projected to win the Democratic Senate primary in Michigan, which exposed bitter divisions over the party's direction.

The former public health official is on course to beat moderate four-term Democratic congresswoman Haley Stevens, according to CBS News, the BBC's US partner.

El-Sayed voiced support for left-wing causes like universal healthcare and abolishing US Immigration and Customs Enforcement. He also called for ending unconditional US military aid to Israel.

If officially confirmed as the primary's winner, he will face Republican and Trump ally Mike Rogers, in November's midterm elections.

The son of Egyptian immigrants would be the first Muslim US senator if he wins in November.