• Gov. Gretchen Whitmer backs US Rep. Haley Stevens in Michigan US Senate race
  • Stevens is locked in a tight battle with progressive Abdul El-Sayed
  • Whitmer had been sitting on the sidelines of the race but hinted earlier in the week she might endorse

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Friday endorsed Haley Stevens over Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan’s fiercely competitive Democratic US Senate primary, arguing the fourth-term member of Congress can “get things done” in Washington. 

Citing tariffs on foreign goods, federal Medicaid cuts and high gas prices, Whitmer said Stevens is taking on Trump and congressional Republicans and “putting money back in Michiganders’ pockets.”

“As governor, I’ve had one strategy: get things done, and that strategy informs everything that I do,” Whitmer said in a video endorsement. “Just like me, Haley will do whatever it takes to get things done for the people of Michigan, and we need her now more than ever.”

In a statement, Stevens said she was “absolutely thrilled” to have Whitmer’s endorsement in the race, adding that she “understands the stakes of this race and why it’s so important we elect the strongest Dem in this primary.”

Whitmer, who is term-limited out of office at the end of the year, had previously avoided weighing in on the Aug. 4 primary between Stevens and El-Sayed, who are facing off in one of the most high-profile federal races in the country.

Experts have called the primary a litmus test of the future direction of the Democratic Party. Stevens has a relatively moderate record in Congress, while El-Sayed is a former public health official who has championed progressive policies like Medicare for All.

Recent disclosures show El-Sayed has outraised Stevens, but outside groups have poured money into the race — most of it to support Stevens. 

Whitmer’s endorsement means Stevens now has the backing of all living Michigan Democratic governors. Jennifer Granholm and Jim Blanchard previously endorsed her. 

“The corporate establishment has closed ranks and made their pick — now, Michigan voters will get to make theirs,” El-Sayed campaign spokesperson Roxie Richner said Friday.

El-Sayed, who ran for governor against Whitmer in 2018, has scored several high-profile endorsements from progressive figureheads, including US Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York.

Whoever wins in August will get the chance to take on Republican Mike Rogers in the fight for Michigan’s open US Senate seat. Outgoing Democratic US Sen. Gary Peters recently endorsed Stevens in the race to take his place.

Whitmer’s endorsement is significant. While she has frustrated some Michigan Democrats by working with Republicans and vetoing union-backed bills, she’s remained relatively popular with voters for a second-term governor. 

A May poll conducted for the Detroit Regional Chamber showed 52.2% of Michigan voters approved of  Whitmer’s work, compared to 39% who disapproved.

Stevens “knows what Michigan families are going through, and that’s how I know she will always put Michigan first,” Whitmer said Friday.

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