Michigan Democratic rivals Haley Stevens and Abdul El-Sayed duel in Senate primary

Two Michigan Democrats are locked in a tight battle to earn the nomination in a crucial Senate seat that will be pivotal to the party's chances of retaking the upper chamber in November's midterms. After a bruising and sometimes bitter campaign, left-wing insurgent Abdul El-Sayed is slightly ahead of the establishment-backed congresswoman, Haley Stevens, with more than 90% of the votes counted. The primary has underlined divisions over the party's future, with former public health official El-Sayed channelling grassroots frustration with Washington politics and US ties to Israel. The outcome of this vote could shape the party's direction well beyond Michigan ahead of November's midterm elections. Voters in Michigan, Virginia and Washington state also cast their ballots in primaries on US House of Representatives candidates. Both candidates in the Michigan Senate race addressed supporters on Tuesday night. "We knew that this was going to be a close race, and that's exactly what we've got," Stevens said. "I am feeling fired up, and you should be too." El-Sayed hinted at bridge-building after the outcome is known. "Whatever happens tonight, we have a responsibility to ensure that we u