Kathmandu— US Senate hopeful Abdul El-Sayed has secured a narrow victory over incumbent Representative Haley Stevens in Michigan's Democratic primary, winning with 48.5% of the vote to Stevens' 47.5%. The result sets up a high-stakes general election showdown against Republican Senator Mike Rogers, crucial for Democrats aiming to regain control of the US Senate.

Progressive vs Moderate Showdown

The primary race was seen as a proxy battle between progressive and moderate wings of the Democratic Party. El-Sayed, backed by figures like Senator Bernie Sanders, represented the leftwing progressives, while Stevens enjoyed support from party establishment figures and significant fundraising efforts from pro-Israel lobby AIPAC.

El-Sayed's Post-Victory Stance

Following his win, El-Sayed emphasized the need for unity within the Democratic Party to challenge Republican Senator Mike Rogers in November. 'Democrats have to come together to make sure that we never let Mike Rogers see the inside of the US Senate,' he said.

Stevens conceded gracefully, offering her support to El-Sayed as they prepare for the general election: 'I will offer him my full support as we work to defeat Mike Rogers.'

Trump's Reaction

President Donald Trump weighed in on the primary result, criticizing El-Sayed with inflammatory rhetoric. He called El-Sayed a 'Communist loser who hates Jews and Israel,' further polarizing an already contentious political landscape.

(With inputs from DW)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.