Michigan’s Democratic Senate primary has become a contest between Representative Haley Stevens and progressive former state health official Abdul El-Sayed, with wider disagreements within the party shaping the race. The outcome matters nationally because Democrats are defending an open seat in a battleground state and the primary is seen as a test of whether the party favours an establishment-backed moderate or a more left-wing candidate.

Stevens has secured support from prominent party figures, including Governor Gretchen Whitmer, while El-Sayed has backing from progressive activists and has criticised the Democratic establishment. Their contest has exposed disputes over Israel and Gaza, campaign spending, economic policy, candidates’ backgrounds and perceived electability; they will face Republican Mike Rogers in November if they win the 4 August primary.