LIZ PEEK: Michigan can stop the socialist fever rage — or watch it swallow the Senate
Michigan Democrats are voting in a primary that pits establishment-backed Rep. Haley Stevens against progressive candidate Abdul El-Sayed for the party's US Senate nomination, in a contest the author frames as a test of whether the party can resist a leftward "socialist" surge. The winner will face former Republican Congressman Mike Rogers in November for the seat being vacated by retiring Senator Gary Peters, with polling and prediction markets suggesting the more progressive wing has the upper hand.
El-Sayed has raised a substantial $14.5 million and campaigns on policies including abolishing ICE, imposing an arms embargo on Israel and reforming the Supreme Court, while Stevens represents the party's more moderate establishment lane. Mallory McMorrow remains on the ballot despite having suspended her campaign, though the race has effectively become a two-way contest between Stevens and El-Sayed.
In short
- Michigan Democrats vote today in a Senate primary primary election.
- Contest pits establishment's Haley Stevens against progressive Abdul El-Sayed.
- Winner faces Republican Mike Rogers in November for Peters' seat.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Progressive Democrats argue that the party must offer transformative change to address deep structural inequalities in healthcare, economic opportunity, and immigration policy. They contend that younger voters and the party's grassroots base are energised by bold alternatives that genuinely challenge the status quo, and that nominating candidates willing to articulate these principles strengthens rather than weakens the party's general election prospects by generating enthusiasm and turnout. From this perspective, incremental compromise has failed to deliver meaningful improvement for working-class Americans, and the party must choose candidates who can inspire and mobilise its base.
The case against
The Democratic establishment argues that winning and maintaining Senate control in competitive states requires nominating candidates with broader appeal to moderate voters and swing districts. They contend that whilst progressive policies energise the base, they can alienate the independent and centre-right voters essential for winning general elections in purple states like Michigan. From this perspective, governing effectively requires building majorities, and selecting candidates who can credibly appeal across ideological lines, even if it means accepting policy compromises, is essential to protecting Senate control and advancing the party's agenda through legislative effectiveness rather than rhetorical purity.
Explained simply
Michigan is one of the states that elects two members to the US Senate, where senators serve six-year terms and vote on national laws and appointments. Gary Peters, one of Michigan’s current senators, is retiring, so the seat will be contested in November.
The Democratic primary is the party’s vote to choose its candidate for that election. Haley Stevens is a member of the US House of Representatives, while Abdul El-Sayed is a former public health official; their campaigns represent different approaches within the party. Mallory McMorrow is also on the ballot, although she has suspended her campaign.
The eventual Democratic nominee will face Mike Rogers, a former Republican member of the House. The contest matters because the result will help decide who represents Michigan in the Senate and may shape the balance of power in the chamber.