Ocasio-Cortez Endorses El-Sayed in Michigan Senate Primary

Progressive leader Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has endorsed Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan’s Democratic Senate primary. This race is seen as a significant clash between the party’s far-left and its establishment. El-Sayed, aiming to succeed retiring Sen. Gary Peters, could become the first Muslim senator if elected. He has long received backing from Sen. Bernie Sanders.

El-Sayed faces moderate opponents, including centrist Rep. Haley Stevens, who has implicit support from Senate Democratic Leader Sen. Chuck Schumer. The party establishment views Stevens as more electable. They see the election as crucial for reclaiming the Senate majority from Republicans.

“Despite our ideological differences, we recognize this moment as existential,” Ocasio-Cortez told the New York Times, announcing her endorsement. “Many are willing to put aside differences for the best chance at winning, and Abdul offers that currently.”

This endorsement energizes progressive activists backing El-Sayed. It poses challenges for establishment leaders wary of losing a Democrat-controlled seat in a state Trump carried two years ago. El-Sayed’s controversial past comments add to their concerns.

Recent victories by far-left candidates in other states have motivated progressives. In Michigan, El-Sayed campaigns for Medicare for All and has called for abolishing ICE. He criticizes Israel’s actions in Gaza as “genocide” and refuses PAC donations.

Stevens benefits from significant super PAC backing, especially from Israel-aligned groups. State Sen. Mallory McMorrow is the third major candidate, positioned between El-Sayed and Stevens ideologically. Polls indicate El-Sayed leads the primary race, which is set for August 4.

Ocasio-Cortez previously endorsed El-Sayed in his 2018 gubernatorial bid. Expressing gratitude, El-Sayed highlighted the significance of her support for his campaign’s mission. He criticized Schumer’s opposition, claiming the Democratic leader opposes seeing him in the Senate.

The Democratic nominee will likely face former Rep. Mike Rogers, who leads for the Republican nomination. Nonpartisan analysts rate Michigan’s Senate race as a toss-up. The Michigan GOP called the endorsement unsurprising. GOP Senior Adviser Greg Manz highlighted the Senate race as a choice between “AOC’s agenda” and “values of Michigan families.”