Michigan Senate Race Tests Progressive Power Against Corporate Spending

Michigan's Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate race is heating up as Abdul El-Sayed faces off against Rep. Haley Stevens in a contest that could determine whether progressives can win statewide elections even when heavily outspent by corporate interests and outside groups.

The race, which takes place on Tuesday, has become one of the most expensive primaries this election cycle, with outside groups pouring over $50 million into the campaign. A significant portion—nearly $30 million—comes from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) and its affiliates, marking their largest investment ever in a single race.

El-Sayed, a former public health official, argues that such massive spending is anti-democratic and questions whether the race would be as close without it. "Would it even be a close race if they didn’t have $60 million to spend?" El-Sayed asks during an interview with The Intercept Briefing podcast.

In the same episode, Ryan Clancy, a Wisconsin state representative and founding member of the Socialist Caucus in his state legislature, emphasizes that voters want candidates who fight for transformative change rather than those who try to mirror their Republican counterparts. "People want fighters," Clancy says, highlighting the desire among constituents for representatives committed to significant policy shifts.

Polling data indicates El-Sayed currently holds a commanding lead over Stevens in the Democratic primary. However, projections for the November general election show a tighter race when El-Sayed faces off against Mike Rogers, a Republican candidate backed by President Donald Trump. One poll suggests Rogers could win by as much as 10 percentage points.

Thom Hartmann, a progressive political commentator, reflects on the broader context of voter dissatisfaction with neoliberal policies and calls for substantial change. "We’re sick and tired of Reaganism," Hartmann says, arguing that voters are looking for genuine transformative leadership rather than incremental reforms.

The Intercept reached out to Stevens for an interview but has not received a response as of publication time. The podcast offers insights into the challenges facing progressive candidates in purple states, where winning requires balancing grassroots support with resistance from powerful corporate and special interest groups.

For those interested in learning more about this pivotal race and its implications for national politics, the full conversation on The Intercept Briefing is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and other platforms.