Abdul El-Sayed won endorsement from progressive leaders for Michigan’s 2026 Senate race. Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez hit the trail for him. They framed it a major flashpoint for progressive goals. Outlays from left-aligned outfits rose fast to help his campaign 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 discussed the age gap in the U.S. Senate. Some said El-Sayed’s fresh face set him apart against older senators.