Gretchen Whitmer endorses Haley Stevens in Michigan Senate primary

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer endorsed Representative Haley Stevens on Friday ahead of the upcoming Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate. Stevens, who is viewed as a centrist candidate, is competing against progressive Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, both of whom are considered front-runners as early voting begins on Saturday. Whitmer's endorsement may provide Stevens with an advantage in a state where the governor has previously won by significant margins. At an event in Detroit, Whitmer stated that Stevens possesses the qualities needed to succeed in Washington. Stevens, who won a Republican-held House seat in 2018, is also supported by Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and retiring Michigan Senator Gary Peters. El-Sayed has endorsements from Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. The Michigan Democratic primary is scheduled for August 4, with the winner set to face former Republican Representative Mike Rogers in the November election. Democrats aim to gain control of the U.S. Senate and must retain Michigan to achieve this goal.