Haley Stevens gets nod from the retiring Gary Peters, the senator whom she seeks to replace

Soon-to-be retiring U.S. Sen. Gary Peters (D-Bloomfield Township) is all in on U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens (D-Birmingham) as she seeks the Democratic nomination in a bid to take his vacant Senate seat.

Peters on Monday announced his endorsement of Stevens to succeed him.

“Over the last eighteen years, while serving the people of Michigan, I have been surrounded by many extremely talented and dedicated partners who work tirelessly for our state. Haley Stevens has been that partner in Congress,” Peters said. “Haley began her service to Michigan as a critical part of our team as President Obama and I fought to save 200,000 jobs – rescuing and helping the auto industry come roaring back. I’m proud that Haley was recognized as the most effective Michigan Democrat in Congress, just like I’ve been named the most effective member of the Senate year after year.”

The senator added that, “Haley Stevens will be ready on day 1 to fight for Michigan, which is why I am excited to announce I am all in for Haley Stevens.”

Stevens called Peters “a mentor, a friend, and a role model” throughout her career.

“He’s delivered for Michigan time and again as the most effective member of the U.S. Senate, working for our auto industry and the Michigan workers who put the world on wheels, protecting our Great Lakes and fresh water, and fighting for manufacturing jobs,” Stevens said in a statement. “Senator Peters knows what it takes to win in Michigan, and he knows what Michigan needs from our next U.S. Senator: grit, effectiveness, hard work, and Michigan common sense. I am honored to have his support in this campaign.”

The endorsement comes at a key moment for Stevens as her campaign works to hold off Abdul El-Sayed, her lone rival for the Democratic nomination in the Aug. 4 primary after state Sen. Mallory McMorrow (D-Royal Oak) dropped out of the race July 5. Polling averages compiled by FiftyPlusOne show El-Sayed with a two percentage point lead over Stevens.

The winner of the primary will take on the lone Republican candidate, former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (R-White Lake), in the November general election.

Stevens was previously endorsed by Peters’ wife, Oakland University Trustee Colleen Ochoa Peters, in May.