Senator Tina Smith, D-Minn., has endorsed Abdul El-Sayed, a candidate in the Michigan U.S. Senate Democratic primary race, signaling a potential alignment within the party as the election approaches. El-Sayed, who is competing against U.S. Representative Haley Stevens, expressed gratitude for the senator's support.
"Senator Tina Smith has been a fighter for working people in the U.S. Senate," El-Sayed stated. "She’s fought for and delivered on an economy that works for all of us. I hope to build on her leadership on women’s health and reproductive rights and access which has paved the way for the future I want for my daughters and every American. I’m deeply grateful for her support."
El-Sayed has also received endorsements from prominent progressive figures, including Senators Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., as well as Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y. Sanders has framed El-Sayed's primary contest as a choice between El-Sayed and "the billionaire class."
In contrast, El-Sayed's opponent, U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens, has secured support from established Michigan Democratic leadership. Senator Gary Peters, D-Mich., who is not seeking re-election, has endorsed Stevens, stating she will be "ready on day 1 to fight for Michigan." Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., is also backing Stevens.
The primary election is scheduled for August 4. The race has been characterized as a significant test for the progressive wing of the Democratic Party in Michigan.
Meanwhile, former Rep. Mike Rogers, who is endorsed by President Donald Trump, is running unopposed in the Michigan Republican U.S. Senate primary.