The progressive candidate, backed by Bernie Sanders and seemingly feared by mainstream Democratic leaders, won a closely contested race by fewer than 15,000 votes.
El-Sayed triumphed over Rep. Haley Stevens in the Michigan Senate Democratic primary, according to the Associated Press.
This victory underscores the growing influence of the more progressive wing of the Democratic Party.
The primary contest was highly contentious, with El-Sayed overcoming $60 million in support for Stevens from outside groups, including $32 million from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee.
The involvement of this pro-Israel group was a focal point of conflict throughout the campaign.
El-Sayed, a vocal critic of Israel and former public health official, will now face Republican former Republican Rep. Mike Rogers, also an ardent supporter of Trump and the MAGA agenda, in a general election that could sway the balance of power in the Senate.
Meanwhile, in Michigan’s Lansing area, progressive William Lawrence secured a victory against two centrist Democrats, highlighting the seeming growing appeal of left-wing populism in swing districts.
