The Detroit Free Press, Michigan’s largest newspaper, has endorsed Abdul El-Sayed, the Democratic candidate, in the state’s Senate race. This endorsement comes ahead of the election, where El-Sayed faces Republican contender Mike Rogers.

In an editorial published online, the newspaper stated, “On Nov. 3, Michiganders should vote to send Abdul El-Sayed to the U.S. Senate.” The endorsement signals strong support for El-Sayed as Democrats aim to seize control of the Senate.

Michigan stands as a crucial battleground in the midterm elections. Democrats are eager to flip the Senate by acquiring the seat being vacated by Democratic Senator Gary Peters. A failure to win here could significantly hinder their goals.

The Detroit Free Press has previously supported Democratic candidates in recent Michigan U.S. Senate elections. Their latest editorial emphasis is clear: “Everything you’ve heard about Michigan’s U.S. Senate race is true: An extremist is asking voters to send him to Washington, masking an agenda far out of step with Michigan’s mainstream under the pretense of normalcy. If elected, this man would urge America down a dark path, changing the shape of our nation, perhaps irrevocably,” the editorial states. “But that man is not Abdul El-Sayed.”

Newsweek has reached out to both El-Sayed’s and Rogers’ campaigns for comments, seeking responses via email and online contact form outside business hours on Monday.

This is a developing story and will be updated.