The Democratic Senate primary in Michigan features deep divisions between two candidates with contrasting ideologies and styles. Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, a progressive advocate of universal health care, competes against Representative Haley Stevens, a centrist supported by party leaders. This race aims to fill the seat of retiring Senator Gary Peters, with control of the Senate potentially at stake.

Dr. El-Sayed, a critic of U.S. military aid to Israel, campaigned in Detroit on Tuesday, seeking support. Ms. Stevens, who emphasizes bipartisanship and is a strong ally of Israel, began her day in Grand Rapids, addressing the media there, before heading to Detroit.

Ms. Stevens criticized Dr. El-Sayed, suggesting his campaign focused on celebrity status. Dr. El-Sayed dismissed these claims and highlighted his problem-solving approach.

The limited public polling available shows Dr. El-Sayed in a favorable position. If he wins, he would face former Representative Mike Rogers, the unopposed Republican nominee. Democrats are debating whether Dr. El-Sayed or Ms. Stevens can mount a stronger campaign in the general election. Dr. El-Sayed described Mr. Rogers as a weak candidate and predicted a decisive victory over him.

The primary campaign has involved bitter exchanges between the candidates. Dr. El-Sayed criticized Ms. Stevens as the least capable candidate nationwide, particularly due to financial backing from pro-Israel groups. Ms. Stevens responded by accusing him of scapegoating Jewish Americans.

Democrats are concerned about unity after the primary. State Senator Mallory McMorrow, previously in the primary race, advocates for cohesion around the final Democratic nominee.

Additionally, Detroit voters decide between incumbent Representative Shri Thanedar and a socialist challenger, State Representative Donavan McKinney. Another contentious race involves two centrists and a progressive aiming to take on Republican Tom Barrett in a critical swing district.

Key Primaries in Other States

Missouri sees former Representative Cori Bush attempt a comeback against incumbent Wesley Bell. Voting rights and pro-Israel funding are significant factors influencing this election, with substantial spending from pro-Israel groups backing Mr. Bell. In Kansas, primaries focus on replacing retiring Governor Laura Kelly and a contentious measure to amend the selection process for State Supreme Court justices.

Washington State’s primaries test Trump’s influence and political polarization. Representative Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, a moderate Democrat, faces challenges from both right and left within her district. The state employs a nonpartisan primary system, advancing the top two vote-getters.

In Virginia, following redistricting controversies, Democrats aspire to flip seats. Significant races include the re-election battle of Republican Rob Wittman and a potential rematch in Virginia’s Second Congressional District between Jen Kiggans and Elaine Luria, both Navy veterans.

A professor in Michigan expressed optimism seeing youth engagement in Dr. El-Sayed’s campaign.