WASHINGTON, D.C. – Political scientists are calling the Michigan Democratic Senate primary race the fight for the soul of the Democratic party. The two candidates, Dr. Abdul El Sayed and Rep. Haley Stevens, are vying to take over outgoing Senator Gary Peters’ (D- MI) seat. It has become one of the most expensive Democratic races in the country.
On Tuesday, Michiganders went to the polls for their state’s primary elections. One race has become the main event: El Sayed, a progressive, facing Stevens, a moderate.
“What we have here in Michigan is a fight for the soul of the Democratic party,” said Dr. Todd Belt, a professor and director of the graduate poltical management program at George Washington University.
Dr. Belt explains we’ve seen progressive candidates win over other Democratic candidates in deep blue areas like New York City and Denver. He said this race is one to watch for because Michigan is a purple state.
“Remember Michigan voted for Trump twice and Biden once in the last three elections and this is a real test for the Democratic party to see if we want electability and moderate candidates or do we want progressive candidates with a little more energy and are more insurgent on taking on the system,” said Dr. Belt.
We’ve seen more mainstream Democrats throw their support behind Stevens, while more progressive Democrats throw their support behind El Sayed. The candidates, with different styles and ideological beliefs, are facing a huge test of the party’s direction.
It’s become one of the most expensive Democratic races. According to Ad Impact, more than 20 advertisers have spent a combined 80-million in support of Senate Democratic candidates in Michigan. The majority of that money has been spent on support for Stevens. The American-Israeli Political Action Committee (AIPAC) and its affiliated groups have spent close to 30-million on backing Stevens. It’s their largest investment ever in a single race.
After Tuesday’s primary, the Democratic nominee will face the Trump-backed candidate, Mike Rogers. We expect the November race to be a hard-fought battle for Senator Peters’ seat.
“It’s hard to see how Democrats can get control of the Senate without holding Michigan because Michigan is a place where Republicans think they have a real good chance of taking one away. It’s hard to see how Democrats get to that 51 number in the Senate if they don’t hold onto Michigan.”
