Michigan Senator Peters Endorses Rep Haley Stevens

Outgoing U.S. Senator Gary Peters of Michigan has endorsed Representative Haley Stevens to succeed him, reversing a previous pledge of neutrality and injecting a high-profile establishment voice into a contentious Democratic primary just weeks before the August 4 vote. The endorsement, announced on Monday, July 13, 2026, intensifies a head-to-head contest between Stevens and progressive challenger Abdul ElSayed, a race that has become a proxy battle for the Democratic Party's direction.

Peters, who is retiring after two terms, said in a statement that Stevens will be ready on day one to fight for Michigan. He had told The Associated Press in late May that he intended to stay out of the primary. His reversal aligns with a concerted effort by national and state Democratic leaders to consolidate support behind Stevens, a four-term congresswoman viewed by many in the party establishment as a stronger general-election candidate in a state critical to their hopes of reclaiming the Senate majority.

Stevens, who has centered her campaign on manufacturing and economic issues, said she was honored to have Peters's support, noting his experience winning statewide elections in Michigan. Her...