Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has taken a significant stance in the Democratic Senate primary in Michigan, endorsing Abdul El-Sayed. This primary is seen as a major conflict between the party’s far-left and its establishment.
El-Sayed aims to succeed the retiring Sen. Gary Peters, with his candidacy supported by progressive leaders including Sen. Bernie Sanders. His opponents include centrist Rep. Haley Stevens, who has the tacit backing of Senate Democratic Leader Sen. Chuck Schumer.
Schumer and other establishment figures view Stevens as more electable than El-Sayed, who has faced criticism for his past remarks. This primary is crucial for Democrats as they aim to reclaim the Senate majority from the Republicans in the upcoming midterm elections. El-Sayed’s election would also mark a first, as he would become the nation’s first Muslim senator.
Ocasio-Cortez shared her support for El-Sayed in a New York Times interview, emphasizing the need to unite despite ideological differences. “I think that Abdul gives us the best chance at winning,” she said.
This endorsement, Ocasio-Cortez’s first in a Democratic Senate primary this election cycle, could boost support among far-left activists already backing El-Sayed. However, it poses challenges for establishment leaders worried that his nomination might push the party too far left in a swing state, which President Donald Trump carried in the last election.
El-Sayed advocates for significant changes, such as Medicare for all and abolishing ICE. He is a critic of Israel’s actions against Palestinians, describing it as “genocide.” He has pledged not to accept PAC donations.
Meanwhile, Stevens enjoys millions in super PAC support from groups aligned with Israel. State Sen. Mallory McMorrow, the third candidate, presents herself as a progressive, between El-Sayed and Stevens ideologically.
Current polling shows El-Sayed as the frontrunner. Ocasio-Cortez had also endorsed El-Sayed in his unsuccessful 2018 gubernatorial run in Michigan.
El-Sayed, reflecting on Ocasio-Cortez’s endorsement, expressed gratitude about the campaign’s momentum. He criticized Schumer, suggesting the Senate leader preferred him not join the Senate.
The Democratic nominee will compete with former Rep. Mike Rogers, who is likely to secure the Republican nomination. The race is expected to be highly competitive with nonpartisan analysts rating it as a toss-up.
Michigan GOP called Ocasio-Cortez’s endorsement predictable. GOP Adviser Greg Manz framed the race as a decision between “crazy” agendas and the values of working families.