Michigan Democrats debate Senate primary on Mackinac Island

The three Democrats vying for Michigan’s open U.S. Senate seat clashed in a televised debate Thursday, highlighting sharp ideological divisions within the party as it seeks to retain a critical seat in November. The debate, held at the state party’s annual policy conference on Mackinac Island, featured U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens, state Sen. Mallory McMorrow, and former public health official Abdul ElSayed.

The August 4 primary will determine who faces Republican nominee Mike Rogers, a former congressman, in the general election for the seat being vacated by retiring Democratic Senator Gary Peters. The outcome is seen as pivotal for Democratic hopes of reclaiming the Senate majority.

The debate revealed distinct visions for the party’s future. Abdul ElSayed, running as a progressive, repeatedly attacked his rivals over campaign finance, stating he was the only candidate not accepting corporate money. During the event, he challenged his opponents to raise their hands if they had never taken a contribution from Blue Cross Blue Shield, then raised his own hand alone. He has called for Medicare for All and higher taxes on the wealthy.

Haley Stevens, a fourth-term congresswoman from a...