DETROIT—Michigan voters headed to the polls on Tuesday to decide the Democratic nominee for a pivotal U.S. Senate race, choosing between U.S. Representative Haley Stevens and former Detroit health director Abdul El-Sayed in one of the party's most closely watched primary contests of the 2026 election cycle.
The winner will advance to the Nov. 3 general election against Republican Mike Rogers, who is unopposed for his party's nomination, in a race viewed by both parties as critical to determining control of the U.S. Senate. Republicans currently hold a 53-47 majority, making Democratic-held Michigan one of the party's key opportunities to regain seats.
The Democratic contest has highlighted ideological divisions within the party, with Stevens presenting herself as a pragmatic, manufacturing-focused lawmaker and El-Sayed campaigning on a progressive platform that includes Medicare for All and reducing corporate influence in politics. The candidates have also differed sharply over U.S. policy toward Israel, an issue that has become increasingly prominent in Democratic primaries.
Stevens has received backing from Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and other establishment Democrats, while El-Sayed has been endorsed by progressive figures including Senators Bernie Sanders and Chris Van Hollen and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
The race has attracted more than $50 million in outside spending, according to multiple reports, making it one of the costliest Democratic primaries of the year. Much of that spending has come from groups aligned with opposing factions of the party, underscoring the national significance attached to the contest.
Polls across Michigan opened at 7 a.m. local time and are scheduled to close at 8 p.m. Voters in line by the closing time are entitled to cast ballots under state law. Michigan also permits eligible residents to register on Election Day at their local clerk's office with proof of residency, while absentee ballots must be returned by the deadline on Tuesday evening.
Beyond the Senate race, Michigan voters are selecting nominees in gubernatorial and congressional primaries that could shape the balance of power in Washington and Lansing. Several U.S. House contests are expected to be closely watched, including competitive Democratic primaries in the Detroit area and other districts.
No statewide results were available as voting continued Tuesday, with election officials expected to begin reporting returns after polls close.
