Michigan Democrat Mallory McMorrow announced Sunday that she is suspending her campaign for the U.S. Senate, reshaping the party's primary contest with the election just a month away. Her withdrawal leaves a direct choice between moderate U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens and progressive Abdul El-Sayed.
McMorrow's decision comes as many Democrats had come to view her bid as a long shot. Her exit creates a new dynamic in a closely watched Senate race, forcing Democratic voters to choose between Stevens, who has the backing of much of the party establishment, and El-Sayed, who is supported by progressive leaders.
The intensified contest between Stevens and El-Sayed is set to be highlighted in a televised debate Tuesday. During a May debate, El-Sayed was critical of Stevens, who largely avoided direct engagement.
McMorrow's departure may lead influential Michigan Democrats to publicly support Stevens, particularly due to concerns about El-Sayed's general election electability. Some of these Democrats had previously remained neutral due to their relationships with McMorrow.
The seat, currently held by Democratic Sen. Gary Peters, is considered crucial for the party's efforts to regain a Senate majority in the upcoming midterm elections. The eventual Democratic nominee is anticipated to face Republican Mike Rogers, who was defeated by Sen. Elissa Slotkin in 2024.
McMorrow's announcement was made via a statement and video shared online Sunday, after ballots had already been distributed. "Today, I’m announcing that I am suspending my campaign for United States Senate," McMorrow stated, expressing gratitude to her volunteers, donors, and staff.
While McMorrow did not provide a detailed explanation for her withdrawal, sources close to the campaign indicated that a significant factor was the recent surge of outside funding supporting Stevens. The American Israel Public Affairs Committee has reportedly invested millions in advertising for Stevens, a development that put pressure on both McMorrow and El-Sayed to increase their own spending.
McMorrow's rivals responded swiftly to her announcement. El-Sayed urged McMorrow's supporters to join his "movement," criticizing "party insiders" for attempting to control the nominee selection. Stevens expressed confidence in her ability to "defeat Mike Rogers this November" and indicated a desire to collaborate with McMorrow on Michigan-focused initiatives.
The primary has increasingly reflected an ideological division within the Democratic party. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer supports Stevens, while El-Sayed has garnered support from figures like Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. State Attorney General Dana Nessel announced her endorsement of Stevens shortly after McMorrow's withdrawal.