Michigan's 'Obama' wins primary; Trump calls him a 'communist who hates Israel'
Abdul El-Sayed has secured victory in the Michigan Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate, defeating moderate Haley Stevens. President Donald Trump attacked the candidate, labeling him a 'communist loser,' and warned of the radicalization of the Democratic Party.
U.S. media outlets announced on Wednesday the final victory of Muslim candidate Abdul El-Sayed in the Michigan Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate, after calculations confirmed he secured his win over the moderate and pro-Israel candidate Haley Stevens. El-Sayed's headquarters reported that Stevens acknowledged her defeat and called to congratulate him.
Shortly after AP and CNN confirmed the results, U.S. President Donald Trump addressed the Democratic candidate's achievement, launching an attack ahead of the decisive November election, where El-Sayed will face Republican candidate Mike Rogers.
"Wonderful news for the Republican Party," Trump wrote on Truth Social. "El-Sayed, a communist loser who hates Jews and Israel, is expected to win his race against the socialist. As usual, the polls were way off. Now the crazy policy of the 'Dumocrats' will only get worse!"
The race between El-Sayed and Stevens was viewed as a decisive test for the future direction of the Democratic Party. Progressive candidates challenging the establishment and taking firm stances against Israel have recorded several victories in recent months, signaling a shift in the party's power dynamics.
With 98.7% of the votes counted, El-Sayed leads with 48.5% compared to 47.5% for Stevens. Television networks have determined the race is decided. In a statement, Stevens expressed support for El-Sayed, emphasizing the importance of Democratic unity to win the Senate seat.
"Donald Trump and Mike Rogers want us to come out of these primaries tired and divided, so that their billionaire supporters can let multi-millionaire Mike Rogers walk easily into this Senate seat," Stevens said.
AIPAC's funding did not prove decisive. The pro-Israel lobby poured a record $32 million into the race to support Stevens. In total, Stevens' campaign invested $62.2 million compared to the $2.1 million spent by El-Sayed, who repeatedly criticized corporate donations and mocked his opponent as a "walking suit with a fat bank account from AIPAC."
