Physician and former public health official Abdul El-Sayed, whose father is an Egyptian immigrant, has won the Democratic primary for the US Senate in Michigan, according to NBC News . El-Sayed secured the nomination after defeating Congresswoman Haley Stevens in a closely fought race, positioning himself as one of the progressive Democratic Party's rising figures ahead of November's election.

El-Sayed will now face Republican candidate Mike Rogers in what is expected to be one of the most closely watched Senate races in the United States. The winner will replace Democratic Senator Gary Peters, who is retiring after deciding not to seek a third term.

Born and raised in southeast Michigan, El-Sayed is a medical doctor who previously led Detroit's Health Department and later headed Wayne County's Department of Health, Human and Veterans Services. During his public service, he launched initiatives to tackle lead contamination in schools, expand access to Narcan, and help erase hundreds of millions of dollars in medical debt for Michigan residents.

Throughout his campaign, El-Sayed advocated for universal healthcare, reducing the influence of money in politics, and stronger support for working families. He also criticised US support for Israel's military campaign in Gaza, accusing Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians, a stance that resonated with many voters in Michigan's sizeable Muslim and Arab American communities.

His victory came despite heavy spending by outside groups backing his rival. El-Sayed received endorsements from progressive leaders, including Senator Bernie Sanders and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, as well as the influential United Auto Workers union. The November contest is expected to play a key role in determining which party controls the US Senate.