Bernie Sanders Addresses Michigan Senate Primary, Criticizes Billionaire Influence

Senator Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., spoke at a campaign rally in Detroit on Friday, emphasizing that the Michigan Democratic Senate primary is centered around the influence of wealthy donors rather than a contest between Representative Haley Stevens, D-Mich., and progressive candidate Abdul El-Sayed. Sanders stated, "In all due respect to Haley Stevens, everybody knows that this is not an election between her and Abdul. This is an election between Abdul and the billionaire class." He highlighted the significant financial backing against El-Sayed, claiming that outside groups have spent $50 million to defeat him, with a spending ratio of 12-to-1 against El-Sayed's campaign. According to AdImpact, super PACs supporting Stevens are investing approximately $26.9 million in television ads compared to about $2.1 million for El-Sayed. The Michigan Senate primary is viewed as a critical contest reflecting the divide between the Democratic Party's progressive and establishment factions. Stevens has been endorsed by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and retiring Senator Gary Peters, while El-Sayed has the support of Sanders and other progressive leaders. The primary is scheduled for August 4, 2026.