Ocasio-Cortez Endorses Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan Senate Primary

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has endorsed former Wayne County health director Abdul El-Sayed in the Michigan Democratic Senate primary. The endorsement, highlighted by The New York Times, is significant in this midterm cycle. Ocasio-Cortez stated, “After watching this campaign unfold for well over a year, it has become clear that Abdul El-Sayed is the strongest candidate to keep this seat in November.” She emphasized his focus on an agenda for working people.

El-Sayed is in a three-way primary against Rep. Haley Stevens and state Sen. Mallory McMorrow, with the election set for August. The winner will compete in November’s crucial battleground race. A request for comment did not receive a response from McMorrow’s campaign, and Stevens’ campaign declined to comment. This race marks Ocasio-Cortez’s first endorsement in a contested Senate primary.

The endorsement comes amid a series of successful performances by progressive candidates in recent primaries. El-Sayed, presenting himself as the most progressive contender, has been gaining momentum. At a Detroit rally on May 3, El-Sayed expressed gratitude, saying, “AOC has spent her career taking on the powerful on behalf of everyday people, and she has shown all of us what courageous, smart, values-driven leadership looks like. I’m deeply honored to earn her endorsement. Onward to victory.”

Ocasio-Cortez’s endorsement stands in contrast to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., who supports Stevens. Stevens received endorsements from The Detroit News editorial board and several senators, including Ruben Gallego, Catherine Cortez Masto, and Chris Coons. McMorrow’s endorsements include the Detroit Free Press editorial board and senators like Elizabeth Warren and Chris Murphy.

Ocasio-Cortez believes El-Sayed is the most electable candidate as Democrats consider how to secure victories in November, especially in swing states like Michigan. Supporters of Stevens argue her moderate approach can attract swing voters, while McMorrow aims to appeal to all party factions.

Democrats view the Michigan Senate seat as crucial in their effort to gain Senate control. The state, won by President Donald Trump in 2024, had previously supported Joe Biden in 2020. With Sen. Gary Peters retiring, the Democratic nominee may face Republican Mike Rogers, who narrowly lost to Sen. Elissa Slotkin by less than 0.5 percentage points in 2024.