Establishment Democrat Whitmer Endorses Corporate-Backed Stevens Over Progressive El-Sayed in Michigan Senate Primary
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Governor Gretchen Whitmer has thrown her support behind Rep. Haley Stevens, the corporate-aligned candidate, in the Michigan Democratic Senate primary, snubbing progressive champion Abdul El-Sayed as early voting begins.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer, a stalwart of the Democratic establishment, announced her endorsement of Rep. Haley Stevens for the U.S. Senate Democratic primary in Michigan on Friday, just as early in-person voting is set to begin. Whitmer, who previously defeated progressive leader Abdul El-Sayed in the 2018 gubernatorial primary, appeared alongside Stevens and South Carolina Rep. Jim Clyburn—a symbol of the party’s centrist wing—at a Detroit Teamsters hall, addressing an audience of over 100. Whitmer claimed Stevens 'has what it takes to win,' declaring, 'Michiganders need a fighter in Washington and there are few leaders with more fight in ’em than Haley Stevens.'
Stevens, a four-term congresswoman from the Detroit area, has leaned heavily on her record of winning elections in swing districts, including flipping a Republican-held seat in 2018. She enjoys the backing of Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and outgoing Michigan Sen. Gary Peters, both key figures in the party’s establishment. In stark contrast, Dr. Abdul El-Sayed is supported by true progressive voices like Sen. Bernie Sanders, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Sen. Chris Van Hollen. El-Sayed’s spokesperson, Roxie Richner, responded, 'The corporate establishment has closed ranks and made their pick – now, Michigan voters will get to make theirs.'
The August 4 primary will decide whether Michigan Democrats choose a candidate beholden to big donors or a progressive who stands with the people. Stevens’ campaign has been flooded with outside money, including nearly $30 million from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC)—a group El-Sayed has condemned, especially after he courageously called out Israel for genocide in Gaza. The winner will face Republican former Rep. Mike Rogers in November for a crucial Senate seat.