Michigan's Senate race is a must-hold seat for Democrats, with a fierce battle between moderates and progressives playing out in the state ahead of the primary on Tuesday, according to a report by ABC News. Democratic voters said they wanted the party to be stronger and to nominate someone who can win.
Progressive former public health official Dr. Abdul El-Sayed and moderate Congresswoman Haley Stevens are locked in a tight race, according to the report. They are competing to replace retiring Democratic Senator Gary Peters.
El-Sayed has been racking up the support of the party's biggest progressives, according to ABC News. He was introduced at one event as the next United States senator from the state of Michigan.
The winner of the primary will face off against former Republican Congressman Mike Rogers in November, according to the report. El-Sayed said he is the best candidate to take on Mike Rogers and beat him.
For Democrats to have a chance to take back control of the Senate, they must hold this seat in Michigan, according to ABC News. That has raised the stakes of a primary that is being closely watched across the party.
El-Sayed said he is capturing the enthusiasm he sees everywhere across his state, according to the report. His campaign has leaned on that energy in the final stretch before the vote.
The two candidates went head-to-head in their final debate earlier this week, according to ABC News. Support for Israel and spending by AIPAC was a flashpoint in the race and was front and center in that debate.