Michigan Governor Whitmer Sides with Corporate Democrat Haley Stevens in Senate Primary
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Governor Gretchen Whitmer throws her support behind establishment-backed Rep. Haley Stevens for the U.S. Senate, doubling down on centrist politics as the Aug. 4 primary nears.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer released a video on X endorsing Rep. Haley Stevens for the U.S. Senate, touting Stevens’ so-called 'get things done' approach—a familiar refrain from establishment Democrats who prioritize incrementalism over transformative change. Whitmer claimed Stevens, like herself, will 'do whatever it takes to get things done for the people of Michigan,' yet both have consistently aligned with corporate interests and resisted bold progressive reforms.
This endorsement lands as the Democratic primary, set for Aug. 4, sees Stevens facing off against former public-health official Abdul El-Sayed, a progressive champion whom Whitmer narrowly defeated in the 2018 gubernatorial primary. Early voting began Saturday, with mail-in ballots already being counted, giving grassroots activists hope for a real alternative.
Whitmer is expected to campaign with Stevens at a Detroit event alongside Rep. Jim Clyburn, another stalwart of the party establishment. Stevens eagerly welcomed the governor’s backing, calling Whitmer 'a champion for our state,' though many progressives question whether either truly represents working-class Michiganders or the urgent needs of marginalized communities.
Polls indicate Whitmer remains popular among Michigan voters, and a recent survey of likely Democratic primary voters suggested that her endorsement could sway undecided voters—potentially tipping the scales in favor of the status quo. The same poll showed the race between Stevens and El-Sayed is closely divided, with about one-third of respondents firmly supporting each candidate, reflecting the ongoing struggle between progressive and establishment forces in the party.
El-Sayed’s campaign, meanwhile, has highlighted endorsements from genuine progressive leaders like Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, signaling a movement for real change. Predictably, Republican officials have tried to paint Whitmer’s endorsement as a sign of Democratic establishment meddling, but the real story is the grassroots fight for a Senate candidate who will challenge corporate power and deliver justice for all.