Sen. Elizabeth Warren Endorses Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan Democratic Senate Primary

On Monday, progressive U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren announced her endorsement of Abdul El-Sayed, the former director of Wayne County’s Department of Health, Human and Veterans Services, in the Michigan Democratic Senate primary. The endorsement arrives five days before early voting begins (Saturday through August 2, with the final ballot due August 4). Warren’s video on X highlighted El-Sayed’s support for Medicare for All, labor unions, and removing corporate money from politics, positioning him against moderate Rep. Haley Stevens.

The Hill

The contest has evolved into a proxy battle between the Democratic Party’s progressive wing and its centrist establishment. Warren previously backed state Sen. Mallory McMorrow before withdrawing that support earlier in the month. Alongside Warren, Senators Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), as well as Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), Ro Khanna (D-CA) and Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), have publicly supported El-Sayed. The influential United Auto Workers union also endorsed him. In contrast, Stevens enjoys backing from retiring Sen. Gary Peters, former Sen. Debbie Stabenow, and former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, reflecting the party’s establishment.

The Hill

A Glengariff Group poll of 500 likely primary voters found Stevens ahead of El-Sayed 48.2 % to 41.4 %, with 9.5 % undecided. Early voting, which allows any voter regardless of party affiliation, is set to run from the upcoming Saturday through August 2, with the final ballot cast on August 4.

The Hill

Warren’s endorsement video emphasized El-Sayed’s ability to “build the grassroots movement needed” to defeat GOP frontrunner Mike Rogers. El-Sayed thanked Warren, asserting that her support would help “get rid of the chokehold that corporations have on our government.” The campaign framed the race as a fight for “unbought, principled leadership” in Michigan.

The Hill

• “He is the fighter Michigan needs in the Senate. Michinganders deserve a senator who will fight for you, not for special interests running millions of dollars in TV ads to buy this seat,” — Elizabeth Warren, U.S. Senator

The Hill

• “is the only candidate in this race who can build the grassroots movement needed” — Elizabeth Warren, U.S. Senator

The Hill

• “Michigan needs unbought, principled leadership, and with Senator Warren’s support, we can get rid of the chokehold that corporations have on our government. I’m so deeply grateful for her support and leadership and look forward to working with her in the Senate.” — Abdul El-Sayed, former Wayne County health official

The Hill

The endorsement underscores the ideological contest shaping Michigan’s 2024 Senate race and sets the stage for a tightly contested primary.

The Hill