Democrat Drops Out Of Key Race
Michigan’s closely watched U.S. Senate race took a major turn Sunday after Democratic state Sen. Mallory McMorrow announced she is suspending her campaign, dramatically reshaping the Democratic primary. Her departure leaves U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens and progressive candidate Abdul El-Sayed competing head-to-head for the Democratic nomination in what is expected to become one of the nation’s most competitive Senate races.
With control of the U.S. Senate likely to be on the line in November, both Republicans and Democrats are expected to invest heavily in Michigan, a key battleground state where every vote could matter.
McMorrow Suspends Her Senate Campaign
In a video posted to X, McMorrow announced she was ending her Senate campaign, saying she was stepping aside with “a deep, deep sense of gratitude.”
She thanked her volunteers, donors, campaign staff, supporters, and family while emphasizing that leaving the race does not mean leaving public service.
“I’m not leaving the fight,” McMorrow said, signaling that she intends to remain active in Michigan politics despite ending her bid for the U.S. Senate.
McMorrow has served as majority whip in the Michigan Senate since 2023 and launched her Senate campaign in April 2025 after longtime Democratic Sen. Gary Peters announced he would retire rather than seek another term.
Michigan Democratic Primary Now Becomes a Two-Candidate Race
McMorrow’s withdrawal leaves Democratic voters choosing between two candidates with very different visions for the party.
Rep. Haley Stevens has campaigned as a more moderate Democrat focused on manufacturing, economic growth, and protecting Michigan jobs. Abdul El-Sayed, the former director of Wayne County’s Department of Health, Human and Veterans Services, is running as a progressive backed by many of the Democratic Party’s left-wing leaders.
Although McMorrow frequently criticized Stevens during the campaign for accepting corporate PAC contributions, she stopped short of endorsing either remaining candidate.
Instead, she pledged to support the eventual Democratic nominee in the general election.
The Democratic winner is expected to face former Republican Congressman Mike Rogers, who has emerged as the leading Republican candidate.
El-Sayed Criticizes Democratic Establishment
Following McMorrow’s announcement, El-Sayed thanked her for her public service while encouraging her supporters to join his campaign.
He also renewed his criticism of Democratic Party leadership, major corporate donors, and the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), arguing that establishment organizations are attempting to influence the outcome of the primary in favor of Stevens.
El-Sayed described his campaign as a grassroots movement and called on Democratic voters to reject what he views as insider politics.
Stevens Highlights Experience and Electability
Stevens praised McMorrow’s contributions to the Michigan Senate, calling her an important voice for Michigan families and expressing hope they would continue working together in the future.
As the August primary approaches, Stevens said she believes she is the strongest Democrat to defeat Republican Mike Rogers in the general election.
Her campaign has secured endorsements from several prominent Democratic leaders, including former Michigan Sen. Debbie Stabenow, Sens. Chris Coons and Catherine Cortez Masto, former Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm, and numerous labor organizations across the state.
Following McMorrow’s decision to suspend her campaign, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel also endorsed Stevens, describing the congresswoman as a seasoned advocate for Michigan residents.
Progressive Leaders Rally Behind El-Sayed
El-Sayed continues to receive support from some of the Democratic Party’s most prominent progressive figures.
His endorsements include Sens. Bernie Sanders and Chris Van Hollen, along with Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Pramila Jayapal, Ro Khanna, Summer Lee, and Delia Ramirez.
The influential United Auto Workers union also endorsed El-Sayed, giving his campaign additional momentum heading into the final weeks before voting begins.
Poll Shows Race Still Wide Open
Recent polling suggests the Democratic primary remains highly competitive.
A Susquehanna Polling and Research survey conducted between June 9 and June 14 found El-Sayed leading with 22% support among likely Democratic primary voters. Stevens followed closely with 20%, while McMorrow received 9% before ending her campaign.
Nearly half of respondents—49%—said they remained undecided, indicating the race could shift significantly before Election Day.
Early voting begins July 25 and continues through August 2, with the Democratic primary scheduled for August 4.
Michigan Senate Race Could Help Decide Control of Congress
Political analysts continue to rank Michigan as one of the most important Senate battlegrounds in the country.
The nonpartisan Cook Political Report classifies the contest as one of only a handful of true toss-up Senate races, making it a critical contest in the fight for control of the U.S. Senate.
Republicans view Michigan as one of their strongest pickup opportunities. Mike Rogers narrowly lost Michigan’s 2024 Senate race to Sen. Elissa Slotkin by fewer than 30,000 votes and enters this campaign with high statewide name recognition.
With millions of dollars expected to pour into the race and national attention focused on the outcome, Michigan voters are poised to play a major role in shaping the balance of power in Washington after the 2026 midterm elections.
For both parties, the road to Senate control could run directly through Michigan.
