Retiring U.S. Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., has endorsed U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens in the state's high-stakes Democratic Senate primary, reversing his previous stance of neutrality. The move signals a broader effort by party leaders to rally behind Stevens and prevent progressive rival Abdul El-Sayed from securing the nomination ahead of the August 4 primary.
Peters, who is concluding his second term, announced his support for Stevens on Monday, stating she "will be ready on day one to fight for Michigan." Party leaders view Stevens, a four-term congresswoman, as a stronger candidate for the general election as Democrats aim to maintain or regain control of the Senate.
Stevens' campaign has focused on manufacturing, jobs, and the auto industry. El-Sayed, a former Michigan health director who has not held elected office, has advocated for a more progressive platform, including Medicare for All and campaign finance reform. The conflict in Gaza has also been a significant issue in his campaign, highlighting internal divisions within the Democratic Party.
El-Sayed has criticized Stevens regarding substantial outside spending supporting her campaign, particularly from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee. Stevens, in turn, has challenged El-Sayed for not releasing his personal financial records. During a debate on July 7, both candidates accused the other of running a negative campaign.
Peters' endorsement follows similar backing for Stevens from Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., and Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev. El-Sayed has secured endorsements from Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md.
Mallory McMorrow, a state senator, recently ended her campaign, leaving Stevens and El-Sayed as the primary contenders for the Democratic nomination. Stevens expressed gratitude for Peters' support, stating, "Senator Peters knows what it takes to win in Michigan, and he knows what Michigan needs from our next U.S. Senator: grit, effectiveness, hard work, and Michigan common sense."
Peters, who has won two Senate elections in Michigan, previously chaired the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee for the 2022 and 2024 election cycles.
Michigan's race has gained increased significance for Democrats following the withdrawal of their nominee in Maine due to a sexual assault allegation. This unexpected development in another key Senate race has intensified the pressure on Democrats to avoid similar setbacks in crucial battleground states like Michigan. The Democratic nominee in Michigan is expected to face Republican Mike Rogers, a former congressman running unopposed for his party's nomination. This contest is anticipated to be one of the most expensive and closely watched Senate races of the November elections.