Stevens and El-Sayed battle for Senate in Michigan
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Democratic U.S. Senate candidates Abdul El-Sayed, left, and U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens. Photos: Evan Cobb for the Washington Post via Getty Images (El-Sayed) and Sarah Rice/Getty Images
Michigan Democrats are about to choose between two competing visions for the Democratic Party.
Why it matters: The Aug. 4 primary is only the first hurdle. Michigan has one of the country's most consequential Senate races, with control of the chamber at stake.
State of play: U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens has consolidated support from Democratic establishment leaders, while former Wayne County health director Abdul El-Sayed has rallied a progressive grassroots coalition.
- The winner is expected to face Republican Mike Rogers in November.
By the numbers: More than $46 million had been spent or reserved on television advertising in the Democratic primary as of July 1, according to political ad tracker AdImpact. Nearly three-quarters of that spending supported Stevens.
The latest: Retiring U.S. Sen. Gary Peters endorsed Stevens on Monday, abandoning his earlier pledge to stay neutral.
Meanwhile, El-Sayed will campaign across Michigan this weekend with U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders and U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
The contrast:
- Stevens, a fourth-term congresswoman from Oakland County, has centered her campaign on manufacturing and electability. She argues her experience and record of winning competitive elections make her the strongest general election candidate.
- El-Sayed, who earned a medical degree, previously ran for governor and served as Wayne County's health director, has never held elected office. He has campaigned on a progressive platform that includes Medicare for All, campaign finance reform and abolishing ICE, arguing Democrats need a bolder message to energize voters and defeat Republicans.
Between the lines: El-Sayed's support for Michigan's 2024 Uncommitted movement has remained a point of contrast in the race, particularly as Stevens and her allies have questioned his role in the 2024 election. He backed the effort during the Democratic presidential primary before endorsing Kamala Harris in the general election.
- Ads supporting Stevens, meanwhile, have highlighted former President Obama's praise of her work on his auto rescue team, reinforcing her message on manufacturing and experience.
What we're watching: Which candidate can win over the voters Mallory McMorrow attracted before suspending her campaign.
- The Royal Oak Democrat's exit reshaped the race, and her former supporters could help decide the nominee in what's expected to be a close finish.