Michigan Democratic primary seen as latest test for party's progressive wing

Progressive ​candidate Abdul El-Sayed held a narrow lead over US Representative Haley Stevens in Michigan's Democratic US Senate primary on Tuesday, though the outcome of a race viewed as a major test of the Democratic Party's future remained uncertain. Read moreMichigan Democrats pick nominee in high-profile Senate primary amid record pro-Israel spending With 70 percent of the estimated vote counted, CNN showed El-Sayed leading Stevens by 49.8 percent to 46.3 percent. The contest has emerged as one ​of the clearest ‌tests yet of the direction of the Democratic Party, pitting El-Sayed's campaign against Stevens, an establishment-backed moderate supported by Democratic leaders and pro-Israel ⁠groups. The race was being closely watched for clues about whether Democratic voters in a crucial swing state are receptive to candidates who challenge party leaders and champion an agenda focused on lowering costs, expanding healthcare coverage and restricting the role ‌of big money in elections. The winner will face Republican Mike Rogers in November in a race critical to Democrats' hopes of ⁠regaining control of the US Senate. Battleground over US support for Israel The Democratic race is th...