The U.S. Senate primary in Michigan has taken a significant turn as Mallory McMorrow has suspended her campaign, leaving the Democratic nomination as a two-way race between Haley Stevens and Abdul El-Sayed.
McMorrow's decision comes amid faltering poll numbers and fundraising that haven't kept pace with her two main rivals, Stevens and El-Sayed. Stevens, a moderate, is backed by Senate Democratic leader Sen. Chuck Schumer and the establishment, while El-Sayed is a left-wing candidate endorsed by progressive champions Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
The Michigan state senator's name will remain on the ballot for the Aug. 4 primary, as ballots have already been printed and distributed to absentee voters. The eventual Democratic nominee will face off in the midterm elections with former Republican Rep. Mike Rogers, who is on a glide path to the GOP nomination, in a crucial race to succeed retiring Sen. Gary Peters, a Democrat.
The seat is a top Republican target and is a must-hold for the Democrats as they aim to win back the Senate majority from the GOP, which currently controls the chamber 53-47. The leading nonpartisan political handicappers rate the Senate race in Michigan as a toss-up.
In a video posted announcing her decision, McMorrow thanked her staff and supporters for helping build a campaign powered by small-dollar donations and no corporate PAC money. She pledged to fully support whichever Democrat wins the primary and faces off with Rogers.
Following McMorrow's announcement, Stevens praised her fellow Democrat by calling her an "important voice" for policies that benefit Michigan families. Stevens argued that she is the strongest Democratic candidate to win the primary and defeat Rogers in November.
El-Sayed praised McMorrow for having the "courage" to challenge a rigged political system, accusing Democratic Party insiders of spending millions to influence the primary. He invited McMorrow's supporters to join his progressive movement to combat big money in politics and defeat the political establishment.
The National Republican Senatorial Committee pointed to the burgeoning battle between the far left and the establishment for the future of the Democratic Party. The Michigan GOP senior communications adviser described the Senate Democrat primary as a "head-on collision."
As the primary moves forward, Stevens has been backed by millions in super PAC spending, including big bucks from Israel-aligned groups. El-Sayed has made support for "Medicare-for-all" a major component of his campaign and has vowed not to accept PAC donations.
