Gary Peters Endorses Haley Stevens in Michigan Senate Race

Outgoing U.S. Senator Gary Peters endorsed U.S. Representative Haley Stevens on July 14 to succeed him in the Michigan U.S. Senate race. Peters reversed a previous intention to remain neutral, citing Stevens' legislative experience and describing her as a fighter who is ready to perform without a learning curve. The endorsement aligns Peters with the Democratic establishment, including Senate leader Chuck Schumer, in supporting Stevens over progressive candidate Abdul El-Sayed ahead of the August 4 primary.

The primary contest has intensified as outside spending surpassed $41 million. The United Democracy Project, an AIPAC-affiliated PAC, spent nearly $15 million to support Stevens and oppose El-Sayed, while A Stronger Michigan contributed over $12 million for Stevens. Republican candidate Mike Rogers has received approximately $10.7 million in support, primarily from Americans for Prosperity.

El-Sayed, a former public health official advocating for Medicare for All, criticized the endorsement as the establishment backing the establishment. He has centered his campaign on opposing corporate and establishment money. Stevens, focusing on manufacturing and moderate policies, has defended her record and alleged that El-Sayed benefits from familial wealth. The Michigan GOP dismissed the Peters endorsement as a Hail Mary attempt to stop El-Sayed. The Democratic nominee will face Rogers in the November general election.