Michigan Democrats call for unity ahead of statewide elections
Democratic leaders in Michigan urged voters to support the party’s nominees after a closely contested Senate primary, emphasizing cohesion before the November general election.
Michigan Democratic officials gathered more than 1,000 supporters on Friday to urge voters to back the party’s statewide candidates ahead of the November ballot. The rally in Detroit followed a narrow primary victory by Abdul El-Sayed, a former public-health official, who edged out Rep. Haley Stevens for the open U.S. Senate seat.
El-Sayed thanked his primary opponents and called for party unity, saying, "In the spirit of coming together, I want to thank both of my colleagues who ran. Haley Stevens and Mallory McMorrow ran an incredible race." He added that Democrats will work to "build the America we are proud to hand off to our kids and our grandkids."
Stevens, who lost the primary by less than one percentage point, indicated she is willing to assist El-Sayed’s campaign, stating, "Whatever he wants me to do," during a recent breakfast hosted by the state party. The event also featured gubernatorial nominee Jocelyn Benson, attorney-general candidate Eli Savit and Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist, who is running for secretary of state.
Party leaders highlighted the importance of closing ranks as the Senate race could influence control of the chamber, while noting Michigan’s status as a swing state that has alternated between Republican and Democratic presidential winners in recent elections.
"Now I’m saying, take the pledge. Unite behind our nominee," said 71-year-old Tom Moran, a school-bus driver who voted for Stevens in the primary and displayed a banner urging supporters to back the winner.