Michigan Democrat Mallory McMorrow suspended her campaign for the U.S. Senate on Sunday. Her decision transformed the party’s nomination contest just a month before the primary. McMorrow did not elaborate on her unexpected move in her announcement on social media. However, she faced pressure to create a two-person race between U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens and Abdul El-Sayed, a progressive favorite.
The Senate seat is crucial for Democrats. The seat, being vacated by retiring Sen. Gary Peters, is key to their aspirations of reclaiming the Senate majority in the fall midterm elections. As they aim to control the chamber for the remaining two years of Donald Trump’s presidency, losing any ground is a risk.
“Today, I’m announcing that I am suspending my campaign for United States Senate,” McMorrow wrote. “And I’m doing it with a deep, deep sense of gratitude. For our thousands of volunteers, for everyone who donated what you could—building a campaign with zero corporate PAC dollars. For my staff, who built this team up from nothing. I thank you,” she said.
The August 4 race is marked by ideological division within the Democratic Party. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer supported Stevens. Meanwhile, El-Sayed had backing from Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and allies, such as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. El-Sayed identifies as a progressive. Some establishment Democrats worried his policies might weaken the party’s chances in the general election.
With McMorrow out, the establishment feels El-Sayed might be easier to defeat. The primary winner will likely face Republican Mike Rogers, who lost to Sen. Elissa Slotkin in 2024.