Whitmer Backs Stevens in Competitive Michigan Democratic Senate Primary

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer threw her support behind Rep. Haley Stevens on Friday in the state’s U.S. Senate Democratic primary contest. The endorsement came as early voting began Saturday in a race featuring Stevens, a centrist, and progressive Dr. Abdul El-Sayed as the leading candidates competing for the Democratic nomination.

Speaking at a Detroit Teamsters hall alongside South Carolina Rep. Jim Clyburn, Whitmer praised Stevens’ political strength and viability. “Michiganders need a fighter in Washington and there are few leaders with more fight in ’em than Haley Stevens,” the governor stated, citing her record of winning by substantial margins statewide.

Stevens’ backing extends beyond Whitmer to include Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and retiring Michigan Sen. Gary Peters, a two-term incumbent. The congresswoman, who captured a Republican-held House seat in 2018, stands in contrast to El-Sayed, who has secured endorsements from Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

A spokesperson for El-Sayed characterized the establishment’s alignment as a unified decision by corporate interests, asserting that Michigan voters would ultimately determine the primary’s outcome. The Democratic primary election is scheduled for Aug. 4, with the victor advancing to face Republican former Rep. Mike Rogers in the general election.

Control of the U.S. Senate remains competitive, and Democrats view Michigan as essential to preventing Republican dominance of the chamber. Whitmer’s 2018 victory over El-Sayed in the gubernatorial primary demonstrates her appeal among the state’s Democratic base.