Michigan Senate Race Too Close to Call After Record Spending

Abdul El-Sayed and Mike Rogers are tied for the Michigan Senate seat as vote counting continued Wednesday. The race is too close to call, with early returns showing a narrow gap between the Democrat and the Republican.

El-Sayed holds early leads in Wayne, Oakland, Kent, and Washtenaw counties. Rogers leads in Eaton, Ottawa, and Livingston counties. The candidates are nearly even in Macomb County.

This contest is the most expensive in Michigan history. Candidates and outside groups have disclosed more than $270 million in spending. That total excludes undisclosed dark money. The previous record was $217 million in 2024.

El-Sayed raised $30.7 million last quarter. Rogers raised $9.7 million. El-Sayed raised another $2.4 million on Sunday after Haley Stevens endorsed Rogers. Stevens is El-Sayed's primary rival.

Rogers has received more outside support. GOP-aligned groups spent nearly $95 million for Rogers as of mid-October. Groups spent $42 million for El-Sayed.

The race could determine which party controls the US Senate. Republicans currently hold a majority. Democrats need to keep Michigan to gain control. Gary Peters, the retiring Democratic senator, chose not to seek re-election.

Voters cited the economy as a top concern. High costs for groceries, gas, and utilities drove many decisions. El-Sayed argued that voters care more about affordability than his background.

They don’t want to talk about gas and groceries, El-Sayed said at a rally in Detroit. They want to talk about me and my name and my faith.

Rogers told a crowd in Rochester Hills that the race is a battle for the heart and soul of the nation. He said the Republicans are going to surprise some people with a victory.

Voters shared mixed views on the candidates. Lauren Slutsky, a Jewish Democrat in Huntington Woods, voted for Rogers. She said El-Sayed has not proven he will stand against antisemitism.

Steve Gold, also in Huntington Woods, voted for El-Sayed. He praised El-Sayed's push for Medicare for All. Jen Mahaffy of Torch Lake Township voted for El-Sayed. She called Stevens' endorsement of Rogers very disappointing.

Walker Darnell, a student at Michigan State University, voted for Rogers. He said he respects all religions but could not get behind a Muslim candidate. El-Sayed would be the first Muslim US senator if elected.