Closely watched Michigan Senate Democratic primary between El-Sayed, Stevens still to close to call

The featured Senate primary race Tuesday in Michigan – between Democrats Abdul El-Sayed, the progressive favorite, and moderate congresswoman Haley Stevens – remained too close to call on Wednesday morning. 

“We knew that this was going to be a close race, and that’s exactly what we’ve got,” said Stevens, according to the Associated Press, which has yet to declare a winner. “I am feeling fired up, and you should be too.”

CNN reported Wednesday morning that ballots will continue to be counted throughout the day, amid several major news outlets declaring El-Sayed the winner. 

The winner will face Republican Mike Rogers, in a race being considered the next chapter in the Democratic Party’s establishment and progressive wings. Rogers is a former congressman who is endorsed by President Donald Trump. Democrats are trying to hold onto the Senate seat of outgoing Sen. Gary Peters.

The race also became the most notable proxy battle between democratic socialists, who already this election season have found surprising success in House Democratic primaries including those in New York and Denver.