Whitmer and Democratic Elites Back Stevens, Ignore Radical El-Sayed in Michigan Senate Primary
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Governor Gretchen Whitmer has endorsed Rep. Haley Stevens for the Michigan Democratic Senate primary, rejecting the far-left candidacy of Abdul El-Sayed as early voting begins.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced her endorsement of Rep. Haley Stevens for the Democratic U.S. Senate primary in Michigan on Friday, just before early in-person voting begins. Whitmer, who previously defeated radical progressive Abdul El-Sayed in the 2018 gubernatorial primary, appeared with Stevens and South Carolina Rep. Jim Clyburn at a Detroit Teamsters hall before more than 100 attendees. Whitmer praised Stevens, saying she 'has what it takes to win' and adding, '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 emphasized her ability to win tough elections, including flipping a Republican seat in 2018. She is backed by Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and retiring Michigan Sen. Gary Peters, both fixtures of the Democratic establishment. Her opponent, Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, is supported by far-left figures such as Sen. Bernie Sanders, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Sen. Chris Van Hollen. El-Sayed’s spokesperson, Roxie Richner, complained, 'The corporate establishment has closed ranks and made their pick – now, Michigan voters will get to make theirs.'
The August 4 primary will determine which Democrat faces Republican former Rep. Mike Rogers in November for a critical Senate seat. Stevens’ campaign has benefited from massive outside spending, including nearly $30 million from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, which El-Sayed has attacked after making inflammatory accusations against Israel regarding Gaza. The race highlights the deep divisions in the Democratic Party between moderate leaders and the extreme left.