Abdul El-Sayed won endorsement from progressive leaders for Michigan’s 2026 Senate race. Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez campaigned for him. They framed it a key moment for progressive goals. Funding from progressive PACs rose fast to help his bid beat foes. At the same time, a major pro-Israel lobby group spent its largest Michigan sum ever to test its pull in Senate fights. Michigan voters also debated the age gap in the U.S. Senate. Some said El-Sayed’s younger age stood out against older senators.