Michigan State Senator Mallory McMorrow announced her withdrawal from the Senate race ahead of the Democratic primary, leaving two major candidates in the running. She made the announcement via social media on Sunday, thanking her supporters and reflecting on her political journey, but did not provide a specific reason for her exit.
McMorrow stated, "I may be suspending this campaign, but I am not leaving the fight," emphasizing her commitment to advocating for change within the Democratic Party. She pledged to support the Democratic nominee who wins the primary on August 4th, stating, "We win this Senate seat and send Mike Rogers back to Florida for good."
While she did not endorse any specific candidate, her exit is perceived as a strategic move to consolidate support for Rep. Haley Stevens (D-MI) against Abdul el Sayed, who is backed by the party's socialist faction. Stevens praised McMorrow's contributions to the race and the State Senate, while el Sayed criticized the influence of party insiders in the campaign.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) has endorsed Stevens, while Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) support el Sayed. McMorrow's campaign saw a decline in support, dropping from a tie for first place in February to trailing behind el Sayed and Stevens in July, according to recent polling.