The Michigan Democratic Senate primary race has tightened dramatically, with incumbent Rep. Haley Stevens narrowing the gap to just 1% against anti-Israel candidate Abdul El-Sayed, according to reports. With one district still to count where Stevens is considered more popular, she could still pull off a comeback similar to Benjamin Netanyahu's upset victory over Shimon Peres in 1996.
The Michigan Democratic Senate primary, which earlier appeared to be a decisive victory for anti-Israel candidate Abdul El-Sayed, has taken a dramatic turn. As of Wednesday afternoon (Jerusalem time), the gap between El-Sayed and pro-Israel incumbent Rep. Haley Stevens has narrowed to just 1% — approximately 15,000 votes, according to reports. One district remains to be counted, where Stevens is considered more popular. The situation recalls Benjamin Netanyahu's 1996 upset victory over Shimon Peres, a comparison drawn by reports. The outcome remains uncertain, with Stevens potentially staging a comeback.
Earlier Monday evening (Aug 3, 21:30 Jerusalem), The Zioneer reported that NBC News projected El-Sayed as the winner of the Democratic primary, based on initial vote tallies. However, as counting continued, the margin shrank. By Wednesday morning (09:17 Jerusalem), The Zioneer reported the race was tightening, and by afternoon the gap had narrowed to 1%. The initial projection has proven premature as the final ballots are counted.
As The Zioneer has reported, El-Sayed has refused to recognize Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state, called it an apartheid state, and compared it to the Hamas terror group. His candidacy has drawn attention to shifts within the Democratic Party on Israel, with pro-Israel groups like AIPAC investing heavily in other races, such as the Missouri primary where pro-Israel candidate Wesley Bell defeated Cori Bush.
The final outcome hinges on the remaining district, which could tip the balance. With the margin so narrow, the race remains too close to call, and a recount may be possible if the margin stays within legal thresholds.
9 developments
- DevelopingTed Cruz comments on Abdul El-Sayed's Michigan Senate nomination
- DevelopingRashida Tlaib won Democratic primary in Michigan's 12th district
- DevelopingAbdul El-Sayed refuses to recognize Israel's right to exist, compares it to Hamas
- StrongProgressive candidate wins Michigan Democratic primary; Trump calls him 'hater of Israel'
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