Michigan Democrat Mallory McMorrow has ended her campaign for the US Senate, leaving the Democratic primary race to a direct contest between progressive Abdul El-Sayed and moderate Haley Stevens. McMorrow’s withdrawal marks the conclusion of a center-left bid to retain the seat being vacated this year by Democrat Gary Peters.

Earlier in the campaign, the primary was a close three-way race, but recent polls showed McMorrow’s support declining as El-Sayed surged ahead to become the frontrunner. In a video statement, McMorrow said, “I may be suspending this campaign, but I am not leaving the fight. When regular people get in the fight, things can change.”

El-Sayed, a former public health official and advocate for Medicare for All, would become the first Muslim US senator if elected. He has received endorsements from prominent left-wing figures such as Senator Bernie Sanders and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Stevens, a congresswoman with a moderate stance, is backed by Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer and has benefited from over $16 million in Super PAC spending, including support from pro-Israel groups like AIPAC.

The primary has been marked by tensions, including McMorrow’s public criticism of El-Sayed for campaigning with Hasan Piker, a left-wing streamer accused of antisemitism. El-Sayed responded by accusing party insiders of bullying opponents and invited McMorrow’s supporters to join his movement focused on combating money in politics and advancing Medicare for All.

The August Democratic primary now reflects a familiar dynamic of establishment versus progressive candidates as they prepare for the November general election against Republican Mike Rogers.

Sources