Abdul El-Sayed's 'Extraordinary' Victory Stuns Pro-Israel Lobby in the US
Ali Harb
Progressive candidate Abdul El-Sayed has won a narrow Democratic primary victory in Michigan, overcoming AIPAC opposition and party establishment support for his rival. The win, hailed by Bernie Sanders as "extraordinary," signals growing progressive momentum despite massive opposition spending.
With a narrow win in Michigan's Democratic primary, progressive candidate Abdul El-Sayed defeated not only a rival backed by party leadership but also pro-Israel lobbying groups, including AIPAC. The result is seen as a shock to the US political establishment.
El-Sayed, a public health expert, beat four-term incumbent Representative Haley Stevens, who had the backing of Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, former Senator Debbie Stabenow, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer, and many other key figures. His victory came despite AIPAC and special interest groups spending tens of millions of dollars to stop him.
Speaking to supporters after the results were announced, El-Sayed highlighted the massive $70 million in opposition spending his campaign faced. "I want you to remind them that if we get through this, we took $70 million and we're still fighting," he said.
Progressive Senator Bernie Sanders called the win "the most extraordinary victory" in modern US politics. "Have you ever heard of a candidate who was outspent nine to one, took on the entire establishment, and still won? I can't remember anyone doing that," Sanders said on the Pod Save America podcast.
El-Sayed's victory is not just a personal success but a sign that the progressive wing is making significant strides. On the same election day, other progressive candidates in Michigan also won their primaries, such as Donavan McKinney defeating Representative Shri Thanedar, and William Lawrence winning by a 15-point margin. Across the US, from California to New York, progressive candidates have repeatedly surprised observers.
Analysts note that what makes El-Sayed's win especially notable is that it came in a battleground state that voted for Donald Trump less than two years ago. Michigan has over 10 million residents. He will face former Republican Representative Mike Rogers, backed by Trump, in November's general election.
AIPAC has said it will continue spending to stop El-Sayed in the general election, claiming its members remain determined to have voters reject his "extreme anti-Israel agenda." However, observers say El-Sayed's victory shows that spending millions and securing endorsements from prominent politicians may no longer be enough to guarantee wins in Democratic primaries.
El-Sayed, a former Detroit health commissioner, focused his campaign on issues like the cost of living and expanding healthcare access. His campaign slogan was "Get money out of politics. Put money in your pocket. Medicare for All." He also criticized the US spending billions on the military to support Israel while Americans struggle with healthcare costs and rising prices.
Sally Howell, a history professor at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, said the victory reflects voter discontent with Democratic leadership. "Voters are very frustrated with leadership in Washington and with Democratic Party leaders. They want leaders who bring change, not the same old thing," she said.
