Michigan, Missouri, Washington primary elections: Key takeaways

El-Sayed, Stevens face off in Michigan Democratic Senate primary

Michigan’s Democratic race for a midterm election nomination emerged on Tuesday as the latest battleground between the party’s progressive and centrist candidates, commonly referred to by Democrats as “moderates”, over US support for Israel.

This is an issue that has played out in primaries nationwide this year. However, unlike contests in many other liberal bastions, the race in the Midwestern swing state could prove crucial for Democrats’ fight for control of the Senate.

Missouri, Kansas and Washington state also held primary votes on Tuesday. Here are some key takeaways from the latest primaries.

As of the early morning hours of Wednesday, centrist Democratic candidate Haley Stevens, seen as the “establishment” choice, and progressive favourite Abdul El-Sayed were still locked in a neck-and-neck race for Michigan’s Democratic US Senate nomination.

With 91 percent of the votes counted, El-Sayed was holding a narrow lead with 48.9 percent of the vote while Stevens had 47.1 percent of the vote, according to the Associated Press (AP).

Former US Representative Mike Rogers is the Republican nominee. He ran for his nomination unopposed.

The bitter campaign between the Democratic candidates has attracted national attention not just because the seat will help decide which party controls the Senate. Michigan has also become the most notable proxy battle between the Democratic Party’s establishment and progressive wings.