Democrat Abdul El-Sayed enters 2026 US Senate race in Michigan
Abdul El-Sayed, a former Michigan public health official and Democratic candidate for governor, has officially entered the race for the state’s open U.S. Senate seat in what is anticipated to be one of the most closely watched races in the 2026 midterm elections. The 40-year-old El-Sayed is the second Democrat to announce his candidacy to replace Democratic Sen. Gary Peters, who has decided not to seek reelection.
El-Sayed, who is a prominent figure in a movement critical of support for Israel, is aiming to distinguish himself from the other Democratic candidates in the race, including state Sen. Mallory McMorrow. McMorrow has indicated that she would vote against Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer retaining his leadership position if she wins the primary and general election to represent Michigan in the Senate.
Despite criticisms from some quarters, El-Sayed refrained from directly attacking Schumer, stating, “Anybody who tells you that they’re going to unilaterally oppose one potential candidate without knowing who the alternative is, is either unnuanced or unsophisticated.” He emphasized the need for a candidate who can confront both former President Donald Trump and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, while also advocating for a more effective federal government that prioritizes the needs of working people.
Other potential Democratic candidates for the Senate seat include U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens and Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. The Democratic primary in Michigan is expected to be closely contested, especially given the divisions within the party over issues such as U.S. policy towards Israel.
El-Sayed, who was endorsed by Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez during his 2018 gubernatorial campaign, has a history of progressive politics. He has previously served as the director of the Department of Health, Human and Veterans Services in Wayne County, as well as the public health director of Detroit following the city’s bankruptcy in 2013.
In a statement to Politico, El-Sayed cautioned against drawing the wrong lessons from past defeats, urging Democrats not to dilute their message in an attempt to appeal to a broader audience. He emphasized the importance of standing for clear, principled positions rather than attempting to please everyone.
El-Sayed’s entry into the Senate race adds another dynamic to what is shaping up to be a closely watched and competitive election. With the possibility of significant influence from outside groups like the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, the Michigan Democratic primary is expected to be a major focal point in the lead-up to the 2026 midterm elections.
