It's Just Politics

After El-Sayed vs Stevens, where do Dems go from here?

By Zoe Clark,

Published August 5, 2026 at 2:56 PM EDT

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In front of a monochromatic grassy path background is a sign post that reads "FUTURE." To the right of the sign post is the Democratic Party donkey. At the bottom is a semi-opaque half-circle with the words "Where do Dems go from here?"

Former health official Abdul El-Sayed has beaten Congresswoman Haley Stevens in the Democratic Party’s contentious battle for Michigan’s open U.S. Senate seat. With the election settled, how do Democratic centrists and progressives come together ahead of November’s general election. Democratic Congresswoman Debbie Dingell joins It’s Just Politics. Plus, Bridge Michigan’s political reporter Simon Schuster joins the show to dig into Tuesday’s primary election results.

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Zoe Clark

Zoe Clark is Michigan Public's Associate General Manager and Political Director. In these roles, Clark guides coverage of the state Capitol, elections, and policy debates. She hosts the weekly show It's Just Politics. As Associate General Manager, she helps to guide Michigan Public’s strategic direction, content vision, and cross-platform integration.

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Rick Pluta

Rick Pluta is Senior Capitol Correspondent for the Michigan Public Radio Network. He has been covering Michigan’s Capitol, government, and politics since 1987.

See stories by Rick Pluta