Michigan’s Democratic U.S. Senate primary is beginning to take shape, with progressive candidate Abdul El-Sayed opening an 11-point lead ahead of Tuesday’s televised debate [1] on July 7.
A new Peak Insights poll found El-Sayed leading with 39% support among likely Democratic primary voters, followed by Rep. Haley Stevens at 28% and state Sen. Mallory McMorrow at 18%. The survey of 400 likely Democratic primary voters was conducted June 20-24 through live phone calls and text-to-online interviews and carries a margin of error of ±6%.
El-Sayed’s campaign also picked up another high-profile endorsement this week. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York announced her support on July 2, joining Sen. Bernie Sanders and progressive advocacy group MoveOn in backing the former Wayne County health director.
MoveOn praised El-Sayed as “a tireless advocate for Medicare for All” who is “working to transform a political system that benefits the wealthy and well-connected rather than everyday people.”
AOC’s endorsement drew a swift response from the Michigan Republican Party, which said it “takes one unhinged, radical socialist to spot another” and argued El-Sayed’s policy positions would hurt Michigan’s auto industry and public safety. The party framed the Senate race as a choice between El-Sayed’s progressive agenda and what it called “the commonsense values of Michigan working families.”
The Peak Insights poll isn’t the only survey showing El-Sayed with momentum. He also led a recent Mitchell Research poll, suggesting his support is extending beyond a single survey.
Tuesday’s WOOD TV8 debate could prove pivotal for Stevens and McMorrow as they try to gain ground before voters begin focusing more closely on the August primary. If the recent polling trend continues, El-Sayed enters the debate with the advantage and growing support from the Democratic Party’s crazy progressive wing – but not necessarily from more sane Democrats and independents.