Kathmandu— Progressive candidate Abdul El-Sayed has won the Democratic nomination for US Senator from Michigan, defeating Representative Haley Stevens in a closely watched primary election. The victory is being hailed as a major win for progressives within the Democratic Party but also welcomed by President Donald Trump as 'great news' for Republicans. The race was marked by sharp disagreements over healthcare, immigration, and Israel policy.

El-Sayed's Triumph Over Stevens

El-Sayed narrowly defeated Stevens in a contest that drew national attention and heavy spending from outside groups, including the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), which spent a record-setting $32 million supporting Stevens. Despite earlier polling showing El-Sayed with a significant lead, his victory still represents one of the biggest wins for progressives this election cycle.

El-Sayed's campaign focused on issues such as healthcare reform and immigration policy, while Stevens received backing from Democratic establishment figures like Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

Trump Welcomes El-Sayed’s Victory

Reacting to the outcome, President Trump welcomed El-Sayed's win on Truth Social, calling it 'great news' for Republicans. He described El-Sayed as a 'Communist loser who hates Jews and Israel,' suggesting that his victory will lead to worsening policies from Democrats.

'The Polls were way off on this one,' Trump added, noting that Stevens was not expected to perform as well as she did.

El-Sayed's nomination sets up a high-stakes general election contest against Republican former Representative Mike Rogers in Michigan, a key battleground state. The victory is expected to intensify debate within the Democratic Party over its ideological direction ahead of future elections.

(With inputs from ANI)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.