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How Michigan's Democratic U.S. Senate candidates differ on immigration, healthcare, data centers

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Michigan Public
Dr. Abdul El-Sayed and U.S. Representative Haley Stevens are going head-to-head in the Aug. 4 primary to be the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate.

The next U.S. senator from Michigan could shift the national balance of power between the political parties.

Dr. Abdul El-Sayed and Congresswoman Haley Stevens are fighting to be the Democratic party's nominee against Mike Rogers in the upcoming U.S. Senate race.

Before you vote in the Aug. 4 primary, here's what you need to know about where these two stand on immigration enforcement, healthcare affordability and data center projects.


Immigration enforcement has dramatically increased under the second Donald Trump administration. Thousands of people living in Michigan have been arrested and hundreds more have been detained here from other states.

The next U.S. senator could cast a vote or propose legislation to reshape the federal government's approach.

Politicians sometimes share incorrect information. Get the facts about immigration enforcement here.

Get the facts about immigration enforcement in Michigan:
Jodi Westrick / Michigan Public
In Michigan, immigrants being held inside detention centers often have no idea of when their cases will be resolved. Dozens have been held for over six months and for some it's been closer to a year. Mental health experts say the uncertainty coupled with the prolonged isolation can take a psychological toll, with the effects often growing more severe the longer a person is detained.

Affordable Care Act premiums increased significantly across the country this year. Costs of other health plans are also up, while a lot of people feel like those plans are covering less.

The next U.S. senator could use their vote to change the way you pay for your next doctor's visit.

Politicians sometimes share incorrect information. Get the facts about healthcare here.

Get the facts about healthcare:
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Between 171,000 and 355,000 Michiganders are projected to lose Medicaid coverage under new work requirements and more frequent eligibility determinations, according to the Urban Institute.

Data centers have quickly become a big deal in Michigan. People, companies and officials across the state have been embroiled in bitter debates over where they get built.

The next U.S. senator will likely have the opportunity to vote on or propose federal regulations for data centers.

Politicians sometimes share incorrect information. Get the facts about data centers here.

Get the facts about data centers:
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As data centers proliferate across the Great Lakes, driven by AI’s soaring demands, communities face a dual reality: economic growth and environmental challenges.

Watch full interviews with both candidates below:

Note: Michigan Public reached out to former Congressman Mike Rogers, who is running on the Republican ticket. If he accepts an interview request, we’ll bring you his positions and that conversation as well.

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Large sets of numbers add up to peoples’ stories. As Michigan Public’s Data Reporter, Adam Yahya Rayes seeks to sift through noisy digits to put the individuals and policies that make up our communities into perspective.
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