Michigan Governor Whitmer endorses Democrat Haley Stevens in Senate primary
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Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced her endorsement of U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens for the U.S. Senate seat, emphasizing the importance of keeping the seat Democratic in the upcoming election.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced her endorsement of Rep. Haley Stevens in the tightly contested Democratic Senate primary in Michigan. Whitmer delivered the endorsement in a video and later at a campaign event in Detroit, stating that "Michiganders need a fighter in Washington" and stressing that Democrats must retain the open Senate seat to oppose policy changes such as Medicaid cuts and rising prices.
She highlighted the strategic significance of the race, saying, "Democrats cannot take back the Senate without winning the state of Michigan," and urged voters to keep the seat in party hands. Whitmer did not name her opponent, former public-health director Abdul El-Sayed, but her remarks underscored the broader stakes for the party.
Supporters of Stevens argue her record in swing districts makes her the stronger general-election candidate, while El-Sayed’s backers claim his populist platform could attract crossover voters. Whitmer, a two-term governor, cited her statewide electoral experience as a basis for her recommendation.
The endorsement comes amid a competitive primary where more than 690,000 Michigan voters have already cast mail or absentee ballots. Whitmer’s recent policy decisions, including support for data-center projects and a veto of several budget amendments, have drawn criticism from progressives, environmental groups, and some labor allies, potentially influencing the impact of her endorsement.