Abdul El-Sayed will face Republican Mike Rogers in the November election|Kenneth C. Zirkel|CC BY-SA 4.0

Abdul El-Sayed won Michigan’s Democratic Senate primary, defeating Rep. Haley Stevens in one of the party’s toughest contests this election cycle. 

The former public health official campaigned on progressive priorities such as Medicare for All, reducing corporate influence in politics, and expanding healthcare access. He also earned endorsements from Sen. Bernie Sanders, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and the United Auto Workers union.

Despite recent polls showing a double-digit lead, El-Sayed was ahead by only about 1 point as of 5:30 a.m. local time, with more than 95% of votes counted.

He will face Republican Mike Rogers in November for the seat being vacated by retiring Sen. Gary Peters.

The Michigan race is expected to be one of the closest in the country and could play a crucial role in determining which party controls the US Senate.