Abdul El-Sayed won backing from progressive leaders for Michigan’s 2026 Senate race. Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez campaigned for him. They hailed it a key moment for progressive goals. Outlays from left-aligned outfits rose fast to help his push 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 chewed over the age gap in the U.S. Senate. Some said El-Sayed’s younger age set him apart against older senators.