Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer endorsed Rep. Haley Stevens in the Democratic U.S. Senate primary one day before early in-person voting begins, citing Stevens’ record of getting things done and electability. Stevens has backing from party leaders including Chuck Schumer and Sen. Gary Peters, while progressive Abdul El-Sayed is supported by figures such as Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Outside spending — including nearly $30 million from AIPAC — has played a major role in the race. The Aug. 4 primary winner will face Republican Mike Rogers in November for a key battleground Senate seat.
Whitmer Backs Haley Stevens — Last-Minute Momentum in Michigan’s Crucial Senate Primary
FILE - Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivers the State of the State address at the Michigan state Capitol in Lansing, Mich., Feb. 25, 2026. (Devin Anderson-Torrez/Kalamazoo Gazette via AP, File)(Devin Anderson-Torrez/Kalamazoo Gazette via AP)
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Friday publicly endorsed U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens in the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate, delivering a late boost just one day before early in-person voting begins in the pivotal Aug. 4 contest.
Whitmer, a two-term governor who defeated Abdul El-Sayed in the 2018 Democratic gubernatorial primary, framed her decision around governing effectiveness and electability. In a video posted on X, she praised Stevens’ pragmatic approach and record of getting results for voters.
Michigan U.S. Senate candidates, Abdul El-Sayed, left, and Rep. Haley Stevens, D-Mich., are displayed on a television during a debate inside the spin room at WoodTV studios on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, in Grand Rapids, Mich. (AP Photo/Kristen Norman)(AP Photo/Kristen Norman)
As governor, I have one strategy: Get things done. Just like me, Haley will do whatever it takes to get things done for the people of Michigan.
Whitmer was expected to appear later Friday at a Detroit campaign event alongside Stevens and Rep. Jim Clyburn of South Carolina. Her endorsement amplifies Stevens’ bid in a race that has come to symbolize the Democratic Party’s contest between its moderate establishment and its progressive wing.
Stevens’ case: A four-term congresswoman from the Detroit suburbs, Stevens has highlighted her ability to win competitive races, including flipping a GOP-held House seat in 2018. She has secured high-profile endorsements from Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and Sen. Gary Peters, who is retiring from the seat.
From left foreground, U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., Michigan Democratic U.S. Senate primary candidate Abdul El-Sayed, and U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-VT. join hands together following a campaign rally, Saturday, July 18, 2026, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Jose Juarez)(AP Photo/Jose Juarez)
El-Sayed’s case: Abdul El-Sayed, a progressive former Detroit health official and Whitmer primary rival from 2018, has drawn national backing from progressive figures including Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. El-Sayed has sharply criticized Stevens for accepting outside dollars from pro-Israel groups and has accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza — a charge that is contested and politically charged.
Money and outside spending: Stevens’ campaign has benefited from tens of millions in outside spending, notably nearly $30 million from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), which backs pro-Israel candidates. El-Sayed and his allies have used those ties to make electability and foreign policy criticisms central to their message.
Michigan U.S. Sen. candidate, Rep. Haley Stevens, D-Mich., speaks with media after a debate at WoodTV studios on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, in Grand Rapids, Mich. (AP Photo/Kristen Norman)(AP Photo/Kristen Norman)
The winner of the Aug. 4 Democratic primary will face Republican former Rep. Mike Rogers in November for a Senate seat widely viewed as critical to control of the chamber. Democrats see Michigan as essential to their hopes of flipping the Senate.
Whitmer reportedly spent considerable time weighing the endorsement. According to a person familiar with the governor’s private deliberations who spoke on condition of anonymity, Stevens’ demonstrated ability to win competitive districts was a decisive factor.
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