McMorrow suspends U.S. Senate campaign

Democratic state Sen. Mallory McMorrow suspended her campaign for Michigan’s open U.S. Senate seat on Sunday, leaving the Aug. 4 Democratic primary race a two-way contest between U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens and former Wayne County Health Department executive Abdul El-Sayed.

In a video posted to social media, McMorrow said she was ending her bid with “a deep, deep sense of gratitude” for volunteers, donors, staff and her family, while emphasizing that she would remain politically active.

“For our thousands of volunteers, for everyone who donated what you could — building a campaign with zero corporate PAC dollars. For my staff, who built this team up from nothing. I thank you,” McMorrow said. “I may be suspending this campaign, but I am not leaving the fight.”

The winner of the Democratic primary will face Republican former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (R-White Lake) in the November general election for the seat being vacated by Democratic Sen. Gary Peters.

Despite leaving the race, McMorrow reiterated her call for new leadership within the Democratic Party.

“I haven’t been shy about calling for new leadership and a better Democratic Party,” she said. “The energy is there. People are crying out for change. And we owe it to them to listen.”

McMorrow, whose name will remain on the Aug. 4 ballot, pledged to back the eventual Democratic nominee and urged Democrats to unite behind the party’s statewide ticket, including gubernatorial candidate Jocelyn Benson, and to expand Democratic majorities in the Michigan Legislature.

Stevens, in a message posted to social media, praised McMorrow’s campaign and legislative record.

“Anyone who raises their hand to serve the people of Michigan and puts forward thoughtful ideas for how they would lead earns my respect,” Stevens said. “Mallory McMorrow has been an important voice, both in this race and in the State Senate, for policies that benefit Michigan’s children and families, and I look forward to working with her in the future to build a stronger Michigan for everyone.”

Stevens said she would spend the final month of the primary making the case that she is “the strongest Democrat to defeat Mike Rogers this November, lower costs, protect manufacturing jobs, and stand up to Trump’s abuses of power.”

El-Sayed also thanked McMorrow, her family, staff and supporters.

“The same party insiders she had the courage to challenge have been bullying anyone who opposes their chosen candidate,” El-Sayed said in a video. “I welcome her supporters to our movement to stand up against money in politics, to put money back in pockets, and pass Medicare for All. We cannot allow the establishment to decide our nominee for us.

McMorrow’s withdrawal drew an immediate endorsement for Stevens from Michigan’s Democratic Attorney General Dana Nessel, saying the “choice is clear.”

“Representative Haley Stevens is a seasoned fighter for Michigan who knows how to work in a difficult environment to get essential policies across the finish line,” Nessel said in a statement. “She has the proven ability to work with members in DC and in our local communities to create laws that enhance the lives of everyday Michiganders.”