The 2026 midterms kicked into high gear Tuesday as voters headed to the polls across five states, with Michigan's marquee Democratic Senate primary leading a slate of closely watched contests.The contest between Rep.Haley Stevens and former public health official Abdul El-Sayed has become the marquee race of the night, drawing millions of dollars in outside spending and attention from top Democratic figures.The winner will face Republican Mike Rogers in November in one of the country's most competitive Senate races and a contest that could help determine control of the chamber.2026 MIDTERMS: PRIMARIES, KEY RACES AND ELECTION RESULTSRep.
Haley Stevens and former public health official Abdul El-Sayed are vying for the Democratic nomination for U.S.Senate in Michigan.
(Scott Olson/Getty Images; Finn Gomez/Getty Images)The primary has also become a proxy fight over the Democratic Party's direction.Stevens has been backed by much of the party establishment, while El-Sayed has rallied support from progressives including Sen.Bernie Sanders and Rep.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, fueling a broader debate over the message Democrats should carry into the general election.DEMS SELECT THEIR CANDIDATE TO FACE LONGTIME GOP LAWMAKER WHO BALKED AT VIRGINIA REDISTRICTINGThe biggest primary night of the 2026 midterms unfolded Tuesday as voters cast ballots in key races across five states.(Adam Gray/Bloomberg via Getty Images)While Michigan has dominated national attention, voters in Kansas, Missouri, Virginia and Washington also headed to the polls Tuesday in races that will shape the November battlefieldSeveral contests remained outstanding late Tuesday, including Michigan's 13th Congressional District Democratic primary, where Rep.
Shri Thanedar held the lead as votes continued to be counted.Many races in Washington also remained unresolved because the state conducts its elections primarily by mail.SIGN UP TO GET THE POLITICS NEWSLETTERRep.
Shri Thanedar sought renomination in Mich...