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Why Gretchen Whitmer’s Senate Endorsement Matters
The Bulwark • • nation
Key Points:
- Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer endorsed Haley Stevens in the competitive Democratic Senate primary, emphasizing the importance of holding the Senate seat for Democratic priorities like Medicaid and economic issues.
- Whitmer highlighted Stevens' electability, referencing her own success winning statewide twice, while indirectly contrasting Stevens with Abdul El-Sayed, who runs on a more left-wing populist platform.
- The endorsement comes amid a bitter primary battle with debates over which candidate can best win in a closely divided state, with Stevens seen as more establishment and El-Sayed appealing to some conservative voters.
- Despite Whitmer's recent controversies on data-center projects and budget vetoes that have alienated some progressive and labor groups, her backing is expected to carry significant weight in the primary.
- Over 690,000 Michigan voters have already cast mail or absentee ballots, underscoring the race's urgency and the potential impact of high-profile endorsements like Whitmer's.
