Michigan to decide bitter Senate Democratic primary in test for divided party

Boosted by a string of victories this spring in mostly blue congressional districts across the country, the Democrats' ideological war moves to the Great Lakes battleground state, where progressive victories could reshape the party and endanger must-hold seats in the midterm elections.

The contest between progressive former health official Abdul El-Sayed and Representative Haley Stevens is often described as another battle between the Democratic left flank and the establishment.

While polls conducted the last month have shown uncertainty in the competition, several recent public surveys showed Dr. El-Sayed leading, and he is increasingly seen by Democrats as the favorite as voters prepare to make their picks.

US Democrats vote Tuesday in a high-profile Senate primary in Michigan, choosing between a left-wing populist and an establishment-backed congresswoman who received the largest-ever financial contributions in a Democratic congressional primary, with pro-Israel lobby AIPAC spending some $30 million on the race.