The Michigan Democratic Senate primary, set for Tuesday, is shaping up to be a pivotal moment for the progressive movement. The race between Abdul El-Sayed and Rep. Haley Stevens is not just about winning a seat; it’s about proving that progressive candidates can triumph in purple states, where the political landscape is more balanced between Democrats and Republicans.
The stakes are high, with outside groups pouring over $50 million into the race. A significant portion of this funding, close to $30 million comes from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) and its affiliated groups, marking their largest investment in a single race to date.
Can Progressives Win Outside Blue Cities?
El-Sayed a former public health official, argues that the race is not as close as it seems. He questions the dynamics of the race, stating, “It’s just anti-democratic on its own terms. Would it even be a close race at all if they didn’t have $60 million to spend?”
In a recent episode of The Intercept Briefing podcast, host Akela Lacy delves into the question of whether progressives can win in states like Michigan. El-Sayed contends that focusing on issues that matter to people can lead to victory. “Look, you have an option that’s not bought off by all the same corporations. And that option is desperately clear about wanting you to have healthcare, and also wanting your kid to have a good school,” he says.
The podcast also features insights from Ryan Clancy a Wisconsin state representative and founding member of the state legislature’s Socialist Caucus, and Thom Hartmann a progressive political commentator. Clancy emphasizes that voters in Milwaukee want fighters who will advocate for the middle class and bring about transformative change. “The idea that in order to win in a purple district that is roughly split between Democrats and Republicans, that you need when you’re a Democrat, to look as much like a Republican as possible is just not helpful,” he adds.
The Polling Landscape and the General Election
While polling suggests that El-Sayed has a commanding lead over Stevens in the Democratic primary, the picture changes for the November general election. When El-Sayed is pitted against Trump-backed Republican candidate Mike Rogers the polls narrow sharply. One poll shows Rogers leading by 10 percentage points, a statistic that Stevens’s campaign has highlighted.
Hartmann reflects on the broader political climate, noting that voters are weary of neoliberalism and the status quo. “We’ve been in this change moment. We’re sick and tired of neoliberalism. We’re sick and tired of Reaganism. We’re sick and tired of the status quo. We’re sick and tired of a dying middle class,” he says. Hartmann questions whether a strong message like El-Sayed’s can overcome the millions of dollars from corporate and special interest groups.
The Broader Context: The Future of the Democratic Party
The Michigan race is part of a larger narrative about the future of the democratic party. Progressives argue that their recent wins in various states demonstrate their ability to win elections. However, skeptics contend that these victories are limited to urban areas with young, educated, and left-leaning voters.
Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto D-Nev., suggests that moderate candidates are more successful in swing states. This argument has resurfaced ahead of key primaries in the Midwest, where progressives are testing their strength against the Democratic establishment.
The conversation around the future of the Democratic Party is complex and multifaceted. While progressives push for bold policies and a break from the status quo, moderates argue for a more centrist approach to appeal to a broader electorate. The outcome of the Michigan primary could provide valuable insights into the direction the party will take.
The Intercept invited Stevens for an interview but has not received a response as of publishing. For more on this critical race, listen to the full conversation on The Intercept Briefing on Apple PodcastsSpotifyYouTube or wherever you listen.
