Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has endorsed Abdul El-Sayed in the Michigan Democratic Senate primary. The announcement follows extensive observation of the campaign, with Ocasio-Cortez stating, “Abdul El-Sayed is the strongest candidate to keep this seat in November.” She praised his ability to build a coalition with a plan focused on working people.
El-Sayed is running in a three-way primary against Rep. Haley Stevens and state Sen. Mallory McMorrow. This race is pivotal as the winner will contest in November. Both McMorrow and Stevens have not commented on Ocasio-Cortez’s endorsement.
This endorsement is significant as it’s the first Senate primary Ocasio-Cortez has supported. In recent times, progressive candidates have seen success in primaries. El-Sayed positions himself as the most progressive candidate.
“AOC has spent her career taking on the powerful on behalf of everyday people,” El-Sayed remarked, “I’m deeply honored to earn her endorsement.”
Endorsements in this primary are divided. Ocasio-Cortez supports El-Sayed, while Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer favors Stevens. Stevens also has backing from The Detroit News and some senators, while McMorrow has the support of the Detroit Free Press and other senators.
Democrats are divided on which candidate can win in November. Stevens is viewed as a moderate appealing to swing voters. McMorrow presents herself as bridging party divisions. The Michigan Senate race is crucial for Democrats hoping to gain control of the Senate, following a win for President Donald Trump in 2024. El-Sayed aims to replace retiring Sen. Gary Peters, with the Republican contender likely being Mike Rogers, who narrowly lost to Sen. Elissa Slotkin previously.