Abdul El-Sayed won support from progressive leaders for Michigan’s 2026 Senate race. Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez hit the trail for him. They called it a pivotal test for progressive goals. Spending by progressive groups rose fast to help his campaign beat foes. At the same time, a major pro-Israel lobby group poured record cash into Michigan to test its pull in Senate fights. Michigan voters also discussed the age gap in the U.S. Senate. Some said El-Sayed’s younger age cut through against older senators.