Michigan Democrats are scheduled to convene Friday in an effort to demonstrate unity behind their statewide candidates, a move aimed at closing ranks following a closely contested U.S. Senate primary that exposed divisions within the party.
The gathering comes less than three months before the general election, where the party faces the challenge of uniting its progressive and moderate factions to secure a critical Senate seat and influence the balance of power in Washington.
Abdul El-Sayed, who narrowly defeated Representative Haley Stevens in the primary for an open Senate seat, is expected to be a central figure at the event. El-Sayed is set to face Republican Mike Rogers in the general election. Michigan, a state that has swung between parties in recent presidential elections, is considered a key battleground.
"The things that unite us are so much bigger than the things that divide us," El-Sayed stated in a speech on Wednesday. Former Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, who has ties to Michigan, is also scheduled to attend.
The open Senate seat was created by the decision of current Democratic Senator Gary Peters not to seek reelection. The state's political landscape has seen it vote for Donald Trump in 2016, Joe Biden in 2020, and Trump again in 2024.
Stevens, who lost the primary by less than one percentage point, indicated her willingness to support El-Sayed's campaign, telling CBS News on Thursday, "Whatever he wants me to do."
Other prominent Democrats attending the event include Gubernatorial candidate Jocelyn Benson, who secured an easy primary victory and is slated to compete against Trump-backed Representative John James. Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist, running for secretary of state, as well as Eli Savit for attorney general and Michigan Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel, are also scheduled to be present.