Socialism is on the rise in the Democratic Party as candidates backed by Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) win significant victories in primary races against establishment politicians.
After defeating establishment candidates in New York, Colorado, and others, the socialists are looking to races in Wisconsin and Michigan to increase their wins.
Michigan’s Democratic primary for the Senate seat has become a high-stakes fight between moderate and progressive candidates. Rep. Haley Stevens (MI-11) and Abdul El-Sayed are battling for the nomination to succeed retiring Sen. Gary Peters.
A recent Tavern Research poll for Politico showed Stevens holding 42 percent support among likely Democratic primary voters while El-Sayed sits at 41 percent. This means Michigan’s Democratic voters are tied between an establishment and socialist candidate.
Abdul is running for US Senate here in Michigan.
— Beri (@sniffydogs) July 10, 2026
'Vile Beyond Belief': Abdul El-Sayed's HQ Condemns Primary Opponent for Having Basic Human Decency https://t.co/hyJpHamfPm
The two candidates threw verbal barbs at one another during a fiery debate that took place earlier this month. The two clashed over foreign policy, with El-Sayed slamming Stevens over her support for Israel.
“If Congresswoman Stevens makes it, or Mike Rogers wins, either way, Israel will win.” He said, also adding, “AIPAC is perfectly fine with either of my two opponents because they know that they will have a comfortable, reliable vote in the U.S. Senate.”
Stevens pushed back, saying she “worked really hard to make sure that Kamala Harris was going to get elected and that Donald Trump would be stopped, and my opponent did nothing.”
"In June, [AIPAC's] main super PAC, the United Democracy Project, spent nineteen million dollars airing ads backing Stevens and attacking El-Sayed." Good @zengerle dispatch on the Michigan Senate primary: https://t.co/Zur9Va3kih
— Alec MacGillis (@AlecMacGillis) July 10, 2026
This is one of several races illustrating the fissures in a Democratic Party that has been fracturing for at least a decade. Candidates like El-Sayed and others are racking up victories across the country as the Democratic Party’s voting base becomes more disaffected with the establishment wing.
Far-leftist Marxist candidates are seizing on dissatisfaction with foreign policy — especially pertaining to the Middle East — and other issues like immigration and the economy.
The outcome in Michigan could signal whether the party doubles down on its progressive base or remains focused on moderates and independents.
This primary season also shows how foreign policy is playing a larger role when influencing how people vote.