Progressive leader Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has endorsed Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan’s Democratic Senate primary. This race is seen as a significant contest between far-left candidates and the party’s establishment. El-Sayed hopes to replace retiring Sen. Gary Peters. Ocasio-Cortez’s support came in an interview with the New York Times.

If elected, El-Sayed would be the first Muslim senator in the U.S. He has the backing of fellow progressive Sen. Bernie Sanders. His opponents include moderate Rep. Haley Stevens, who has the cautious support of Senate Democratic Leader Sen. Chuck Schumer. Schumer favors Stevens for her perceived electability in a state crucial to Democrats’ plans to regain Senate control.

“Despite our ideological differences and whatever disagreements there are in the party, every single one of us sees this moment as existential,” Ocasio-Cortez stated. “And I think many people are willing to put aside differences in order to give us the best chance at winning. And I think that Abdul gives us that right now.”

El-Sayed’s platform includes Medicare for all and abolishing ICE. He has been vocal about his stance on Israel, characterizing its actions in Gaza as genocide. He refuses PAC donations. His campaign has attracted significant grassroots support.

Stevens, whose campaign benefits from super PAC spending, has substantial backing from Israel-aligned groups. State Sen. Mallory McMorrow is another contender, seeking a middle ground between El-Sayed and Stevens. Polls show El-Sayed leading.

While Ocasio-Cortez endorsed El-Sayed in a previous gubernatorial bid in 2018, this endorsement could energize progressive supporters further. El-Sayed praised Ocasio-Cortez’s support, emphasizing the campaign’s objectives.

The general election opponent will likely be former Rep. Mike Rogers, favored for the Republican nomination. Political analysts rate this Senate race as a toss-up, with the Michigan GOP highlighting the choice between a progressive agenda and traditional values.