Michigan‘s Democratic Senate primary sharpened in a clash between the party’s progressive and establishment wings Tuesday night as former Wayne County Health Director Abdul El-Sayed accused Rep. Haley Stevens (D-MI) of being “bought off” by corporate interests while Stevens argued el Sayed is being “propped up” by Republican spending.

The debate, hosted by WOOD-TV in Grand Rapids, marked the first head-to-head matchup between the two remaining Democratic candidates after state Sen. Mallory McMorrow ended her campaign over the weekend, consolidating the race into a two-person contest to take on former Republican Rep. Mike Rogers in one of the nation’s most closely watched Senate races.

Recommended Stories

Elizabeth Warren endorsement adds to Abdul el Sayed’s progressive bona fides

Abdul el Sayed won the progressive fight. Now he must reunite Democrats to keep Michigan blue

Senate Democrats emerge united behind Abdul el Sayed after closed-door meeting