Ocasio-Cortez Backs El-Sayed in Michigan Senate Race
US Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has backed Abdul El-Sayed. He is running for Michigan's US Senate seat as a Democrat.
El-Sayed is a doctor and former public health director. This is her first Senate primary endorsement in 2026.
El-Sayed also has support from Senators Bernie Sanders and Chris Van Hollen. He leads polls ahead of rivals Haley Stevens and Mallory McMorrow.
But Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has backed Stevens. Schumer says Stevens has the best chance to win.
Senator Elizabeth Warren has backed McMorrow. The primary vote is set for August 4. Democrats say they must hold Michigan's Senate seat to win a Senate majority.
Klear Note — US Senate primaries let Democrats choose their candidate before the general election. Michigan's Senate seat is competitive and matters for Democrats' control of the Senate.
Key Terms 3
- Primary A vote where a party picks its candidate for the main election
- Senate Minority Leader The top Senate member of the party that does not hold the majority
- Senate majority When one party holds more than half of Senate seats and controls it