Polls begin closing in Michigan with eyes on high-stakes Democratic primary for US Senate seat - live updates

Key Points:

• Polls have mostly closed in Michigan, focusing attention on the competitive Democratic Senate primary between progressive Abdul El-Sayed and centrist Haley Stevens, with El-Sayed holding a slight lead in recent polls despite Stevens' substantial super PAC support.
• The Michigan Democratic primary reflects broader party tensions, highlighted by progressive challenges in House races, including endorsements from Bernie Sanders for candidates opposing establishment-backed incumbents, signaling a fight over the party’s future direction.
• Key issues influencing the primaries include divisions over Israel-Gaza policy, with progressive candidates criticizing pro-Israel lobbying groups like AIPAC, while moderates defend their records and campaign support, underscoring ideological splits within the Democratic Party.
• Other states holding primaries include Virginia, Missouri, Kansas, and Washington, with notable contests such as the Missouri Democratic House primary rematch between incumbent Wesley Bell and progressive Cori Bush, and Virginia’s delayed US Senate primary where Democrats aim to flip GOP-held House seats.
• Michigan’s primary is viewed as a critical test for the Democratic Party ahead of the November midterms, with voters weighing electability and ideological alignment in a purple state that could influence control of the US Senate.