Ocasio-Cortez Backs Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan Democratic Senate Primary

Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has decided to support former Wayne County health director Abdul El-Sayed in the competitive Michigan Democratic Senate primary. This endorsement, initially reported by The New York Times, is among the congresswoman’s most notable support moves during the midterm election cycle.

Ocasio-Cortez expressed her views in a statement from El-Sayed’s campaign. She emphasized that El-Sayed appears to be the leading candidate to secure the seat in November. According to her, El-Sayed is forming a successful coalition by addressing the needs of working individuals through his agenda.

El-Sayed is one of three candidates in the primary contest. He faces Rep. Haley Stevens and state Sen. Mallory McMorrow as rivals in the upcoming August race. Whoever wins will progress to the November elections, which are expected to be closely contested. McMorrow’s campaign did not respond to inquiries, and a representative for Stevens’ campaign chose not to comment.

This primary is the first contested Senate race where Ocasio-Cortez has provided an endorsement. Previously, she refrained from endorsing candidates in other contested primaries across various states. The endorsement is timely, as progressive candidates have recently succeeded in congressional primaries. El-Sayed, who identifies as the most progressive option in this critical primary, is gaining momentum.

Dr. Abdul El-Sayed spoke at a rally in Detroit on May 3.
Jim West / Universal Images Group via Getty

Expressing his gratitude, El-Sayed shared a message acknowledging Ocasio-Cortez’s career-long commitment to championing the needs of ordinary people. He appreciated her leadership and felt honored to have her support. He stated, “Onward to victory.”

Ocasio-Cortez’s endorsement aligns her against Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who supports Stevens. Both Stevens and McMorrow have received significant endorsements. Stevens has the backing of The Detroit News editorial board and Senators Ruben Gallego, Catherine Cortez Masto, and Chris Coons. Meanwhile, McMorrow is endorsed by the Detroit Free Press editorial board and Senators Elizabeth Warren, Chris Murphy, and Martin Heinrich.

As Democrats deliberate on which candidates have the best chances in November, Ocasio-Cortez frames El-Sayed as the most electable. Michigan is a critical battleground, a state President Donald Trump won in 2024, and Democrats aim to hold this Senate seat. Stevens’ proponents argue her moderate stance may attract swing voters. McMorrow presents herself as a unifying choice for both party factions.

The Michigan Senate seat is crucial for Democrats attempting to gain Senate control. Trump won there in 2024 following Joe Biden’s 2020 win. With Senator Gary Peters retiring, the Democratic primary winner might compete against Republican Mike Rogers, who narrowly lost a previous Senate bid to Senator Elissa Slotkin.