Michigan Democrats nominate Abdul El-Sayed in key Senate race ahead of midterms

Control of Congress remains one of the biggest prizes of this fall's midterm elections, with both parties battling for key House and Senate seats.

(NBC) – Control of Congress remains one of the biggest prizes of this fall’s midterm elections, with both parties battling for key House and Senate seats.

In Michigan, NBC News projects Democrat Abdul El-Sayed has won his party’s Senate primary, defeating Rep. Haley Stevens in a closely watched race for an open Senate seat.

El-Sayed, an epidemiologist backed by progressive Democrats, campaigned on policies including Medicare for All and abolishing ICE.

Republicans are closely watching the race as they look to flip a Senate seat currently held by a Democrat.

President Donald Trump reacted to the race before it was officially called, saying he was waiting to learn the outcome.

Michigan progressives also celebrated another victory as activist William Lawrence won a Democratic House primary over two challengers.

In Missouri, Democratic Rep. Wesley Bell defeated former Rep. Cori Bush in a primary contest that largely centered on support for Israel.

On the Republican side, Kansas state Sen. Ty Masterson won the GOP nomination for governor after defeating six opponents. Masterson, who was backed by President Trump, will try to return the governor’s office to Republican control this fall.

The Michigan, Missouri and Kansas primaries are among the latest contests shaping the battle for control of Congress and state offices ahead of the November elections.