LANSING, Mich. — Abdul El-Sayed holds a narrow lead in Michigan's Democratic primary for U.S. Senate as vote counting nears completion, with roughly 95 percent of estimated ballots tallied and a tighter contest than pre-election polling had projected.
The race against Haley Stevens extended into Wednesday morning, with both campaigns expressing optimism. Stevens addressed supporters after midnight, acknowledging the tight contest.
"We knew this was going to be a close race, and that's exactly what we've got: a close race," Stevens said.
The final outcome hinges on the remaining five percent of votes, particularly those from Michigan's largest county, which is known for its slow counting process.
In Delta County, with 65 percent of the vote in, El-Sayed leads Stevens by less than four percentage points. In Chippewa County, with over 40 percent of ballots reported, he holds a six-point advantage.
The winner advances to the general election in November against the Republican nominee in a race expected to be competitive for control of the U.S. Senate.
Separately, in Michigan's Seventh Congressional District, William Lawrence's lead in the Democratic primary has steadily narrowed as additional votes came in. Some Democrats had warned that two moderate candidates splitting the vote could clear a path for a progressive to win the nomination.
Primary elections also took place Aug. 4 across Kansas, Missouri, Virginia and Washington. Missouri's Fifth Congressional District primary also saw votes counted Tuesday.
Both El-Sayed and Stevens campaigned on distinct platforms. El-Sayed emphasized progressive policies; Stevens highlighted her congressional experience. The close vote reflects a divided primary electorate.
