Retiring Michigan Sen. Gary Peters endorsed U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens on Monday to succeed him, marking a significant show of support from the state’s Democratic establishment in a contentious primary race against progressive favorite Abdul El-Sayed. The endorsement came after Peters had told The Associated Press in late May that he intended to stay neutral in the race.
Peters, who is retiring after 12 years in the Senate, said Stevens “will be ready on day one to fight for Michigan.” The reversal reflects growing concerns among Democratic leaders that El-Sayed, who has never held elected office, may be too far left to succeed in November’s general election against Republican Mike Rogers.
Holding the Michigan seat is viewed as critical to Democrats’ hopes of reclaiming the Senate majority. Peters himself won two Senate races in Michigan and led Senate Democrats’ campaign arm during the 2022 and 2024 election cycles, giving his endorsement particular weight in the state.
Stevens, a four-term House member from Birmingham, has campaigned as a more moderate Democrat focused on manufacturing issues in the critical battleground state. El-Sayed, a Detroit health director, is running on a more progressive platform that includes Medicare for All and campaign finance reform. He has also been outspoken about the war in Gaza, which has become a point of tension within the party.
The endorsement adds to Stevens’ growing support from the Democratic establishment. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer of New York, as well as Sens. Ruben Gallego of Arizona and Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada, have also backed Stevens. El-Sayed, meanwhile, has support from Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and, more recently, Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland.
The Democratic primary is scheduled for August 4, with Stevens and El-Sayed now the only two candidates after state Sen. Mallory McMorrow suspended her campaign earlier this month. The race has grown increasingly contentious in recent weeks, with El-Sayed attacking Stevens over tens of millions of dollars in outside spending supporting her campaign, including by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee. Stevens has criticized El-Sayed for not disclosing his personal financial records.
During a July 7 debate, each candidate accused the other of running a negative campaign. The Democratic winner will face Rogers in what is expected to be one of the country’s most expensive and closely watched Senate races.
Sources
- AP News — confirmed Peters’ endorsement of Stevens, his previous neutrality statement, the August 4 primary date, El-Sayed’s platform and background, the contentious nature of the race, and the general election opponent
- The Washington Post — reported on Peters’ endorsement and the Democratic establishment’s efforts to support Stevens
- PBS NewsHour — provided context on the critical importance of holding Michigan’s Senate seat to Democratic majority prospects
- Politico — confirmed the endorsement announcement and the August 4 primary date
- Detroit News — reported on Peters’ endorsement and his reasoning tied to Senate majority stakes
