Sanders' victory, on the eve of the next Democratic debate clash that will be simulcast on CNN, raises fresh questions about the former secretary of state's appeal to blue-collar Democrats who have embraced the Vermont's senator's populist anti-Wall Street message.
Although Sanders did little to cut into Clinton's overall lead of about 200 delegates, thanks to her win Tuesday in Mississippi, his performance in Michigan suggests Sanders could mount a stronger-than-expected challenge in looming primaries in a string of Rust Belt states, including Ohio, Illinois and Wisconsin.
On the Republican side, Donald Trump will win the Republican primaries in Michigan and Mississippi, according to CNN projections, important victories that propel him closer to the GOP presidential nomination, despite a week of fearsome barrage of attacks from his rivals and the Republican establishment.
Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, meanwhile, won Idaho, CNN projects, further validating his claims that he is now in a two-man race with the billionaire.
