Michigan Democrat Mallory McMorrow has ended her campaign for the US Senate, narrowing the primary race to a contest between progressive Abdul El-Sayed and centrist Haley Stevens. The seat is being vacated by retiring Democrat Gary Peters, and the party views it as essential to retaining control of the Senate.
McMorrow's Exit and Primary Dynamics
McMorrow, a state senator known for a viral 2022 speech defending LGBTQ+ rights, announced her decision in a video statement. "I may be suspending this campaign, but I am not leaving the fight," she said. "When regular people get in the fight, things can change." Her withdrawal leaves El-Sayed, a former public health official, and Stevens, a moderate congresswoman, as the primary candidates for the August Democratic primary.
Polls had shown McMorrow's support plummeting from near-even with her rivals in early April to single digits in June, as El-Sayed surged ahead. The contest now mirrors a national pattern of establishment versus progressive candidates within the Democratic Party.
El-Sayed's Progressive Platform and Backing
El-Sayed, who would be the first Muslim US senator, supports Medicare for All and has secured endorsements from prominent left-wing figures, including Senator Bernie Sanders and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. His campaign has drawn criticism from pro-Israel groups like AIPAC, which has spent heavily against him. El-Sayed has refused to affirm Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state, telling CNN, "Israel exists. The question is whether or not we want a politics where our money is sent over to Israel to do genocide and apartheid, instead of investing in our own kids."
Stevens' Moderate Stance and Support
Stevens, a moderate Democrat, has the backing of Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer and has benefited from over $16 million in Super PAC spending, including from AIPAC and other pro-Israel groups. Establishment leaders believe she has a better chance against Republican Mike Rogers in the general election, despite recent primary wins by progressive challengers in other states.
McMorrow's Campaign and Controversy
McMorrow's campaign initially gained national attention and support from senators like Elizabeth Warren and Chris Murphy. However, her criticism of El-Sayed for campaigning with left-wing streamer Hasan Piker, who has made controversial comments including antisemitic remarks and a since-apologized statement that America "deserved" the 9/11 attacks, may have contributed to her decline. McMorrow compared Piker to white nationalist Nick Fuentes, but the criticism did not resonate with voters.
El-Sayed thanked McMorrow and her supporters, saying, "The same party insiders she had the courage to challenge have been bullying anyone who opposes their chosen candidate." He added, "We cannot allow the establishment to decide our nominee for us."
Stakes for the General Election
Democrats must hold the Michigan seat to have a realistic chance of flipping Senate control in the November midterms. The primary outcome will set the stage for a critical general election battle.
