A former Michigan public health official and Democratic candidate for governor entered the race Thursday for the state’s open U.S. Senate seat. Abdul El-Sayed, 40, is the second Democrat to put his name in the running in what could be one of the most watched races in the 2026 midterm elections.

Abdul El-Sayed, 40, is the second Democrat to put his name in the running in what could be one of the most watched races in the 2026 midterm elections. He's also the second candidate this week to launch a campaign to replace Democratic Sen. Gary Peters, who is not seeking reelection.