Michigan voters are casting ballots Tuesday in a pivotal Democratic Senate primary that pits progressive Abdul El-Sayed against moderate Rep. Haley Stevens, a race that could signal the party's direction ahead of November. The contest has drawn national attention as Democrats grapple with internal divisions over strategy and messaging.
El-Sayed, a physician and former Detroit health director, has rallied progressive supporters with a platform focused on Medicare for All, a Green New Deal, and challenging corporate influence. Stevens, a two-term congresswoman from the Detroit suburbs, has emphasized her legislative record and ability to win swing voters. The race has become a test of whether the party's left wing can translate grassroots energy into primary victories, as some worry a progressive win could complicate the party's general election prospects.
Polls close at 8 p.m. ET, and results are expected to be tight. Both candidates have campaigned heavily in the final days, with El-Sayed receiving a boost from Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, who has touted El-Sayed's ability to appeal beyond the Democratic base.
Key House races and other primaries
Beyond the Senate contest, Michigan has several competitive House primaries, including two open seats that could determine control of the House in November. Missouri also holds primaries Tuesday, with several races drawing national interest.
In Michigan's 8th District, Democrats are vying to replace retiring Rep. Dan Kildee, while the 7th District features a crowded field to replace Rep. Elissa Slotkin, who is running for Senate. These races are seen as critical for both parties' November strategies.
Blanche nomination advances
In Washington, the Senate Judiciary Committee voted along party lines Tuesday to advance acting Attorney General Todd Blanche's nomination for the permanent post. The vote came after a week of uncertainty, as GOP Sens. John Cornyn (Texas) and Thom Tillis (N.C.) had initially withheld support. Cornyn secured a deal Sunday that would eliminate a nearly $1.8 billion fund created in a settlement between President Trump and the IRS, which Republicans had dubbed the "anti-weaponization" fund.
Despite the committee's approval, Blanche's nomination faces potential hurdles on the Senate floor. Some Republicans remain concerned about his past representation of Trump and his role in the administration's legal battles.
Fauci contempt vote scheduled
The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee has scheduled a Thursday vote on a resolution to hold former top health official Anthony Fauci in contempt. The move follows Fauci's testimony last week, during which he invoked his Fifth Amendment right more than 100 times. Republicans have accused Fauci of obstructing their investigation into the origins of COVID-19.
Trump's western swing
President Trump is set to travel to California and Nevada on Tuesday for a two-day trip to promote his economic agenda. The visit comes as the administration seeks to highlight its policies on trade, energy, and manufacturing ahead of the midterm elections.
South Carolina GOP debate
Tuesday night also features the second South Carolina GOP Senate debate, hosted by Nexstar, the parent company of The Hill. The debate comes as the Republican field vies to replace retiring Sen. Tim Scott, with candidates clashing over issues like the filibuster and foreign policy. The race has already seen a notable split among the candidates on procedural and policy matters.
As the night unfolds, the results from Michigan and Missouri will offer early clues about voter sentiment heading into the fall. The Democratic primary in particular is being watched as a barometer of the party's internal dynamics, with progressives seeking to build on their recent successes.
