密歇根州州长格蕾琴·惠特默周五在底特律为民主党参议院初选候选人海利·史蒂文斯背书 [1]。惠特默表示，"密歇根州需要一个在华盛顿的战士，很少有领导人比海利·史蒂文斯更能战斗" [1]。
这场初选在党内温和建制派与进步派之间形成明显分化 [1]。史蒂文斯获得了参议院多数党领导人查克·舒默和密歇根州参议员加里·彼得斯的支持 [1]，同时也获得美国以色列公共事务委员会（AIPAC）近3000万美元的资金支持 [1]。相比之下，她的对手阿卜杜勒·埃尔-赛义德则获得参议员伯尼·桑德斯、众议员亚历山大·奥卡西奥-科尔特斯和参议员克里斯·范·霍伦等进步派人士的支持 [1]。
值得注意的是，惠特默在2018年民主党州长初选中曾击败过埃尔-赛义德 [1]。民主党初选将于8月4日举行 [1]，获胜者将在大选中面对共和党前众议员迈克·罗杰斯 [1]。
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer backed Democrat Haley Stevens in the state's U.S. Senate primary on Friday in Detroit, declaring that Stevens possesses the credentials to win. [1] Whitmer stated: "Michigan needs a fighter in Washington, and few leaders fight like Haley Stevens." [1]
The primary contest reflects a broader divide within the Democratic Party between establishment and progressive wings. Stevens has secured support from Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Michigan Senator Gary Peters, [1] as well as nearly $30 million in backing from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). [1] Her main rival, Abdul El-Sayed, has garnered endorsements from Senator Bernie Sanders, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Senator Chris Van Hollen. [1]
The primary election is scheduled for August 4. [1] The Democratic nominee will face Republican former Representative Mike Rogers in the general election. [1] Notably, Whitmer previously defeated El-Sayed in the 2018 Democratic gubernatorial primary. [1]