Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has endorsed Representative Haley Stevens ahead of the state’s U.S. Senate Democratic primary. Whitmer’s backing may provide Stevens, a centrist candidate, with an advantage in the race. Early voting begins on Saturday, and both Stevens and progressive Dr. Abdul El-Sayed are seen as leading contenders.
Whitmer, who has twice won gubernatorial elections by large margins, endorsed Stevens at an event in Detroit. She emphasized that Stevens has the qualities needed to win while speaking alongside South Carolina Representative Jim Clyburn. “Michiganders need a fighter in Washington and there are few leaders with more fight in ’em than Haley Stevens,” Whitmer stated.
Stevens has the support of Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and Michigan Senator Gary Peters, who is retiring from his two-term Senate seat. In contrast, Senator Bernie Sanders and New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez are supporting El-Sayed. A spokesperson for El-Sayed, Roxie Richner, commented on the Democratic establishment rallying behind Stevens, saying it is up to Michigan voters to make their choice.
The Democratic primary in Michigan is scheduled for August 4. The winner will compete against former Republican Representative Mike Rogers in November. Democrats are aiming to shift control of the U.S. Senate from the narrow Republican majority and must secure Michigan to do so.