Michigan Democrat backs Haley Stevens in contested Senate primary

Retiring Sen. Gary Peters of Michigan has endorsed Rep. Haley Stevens in the state’s closely watched Democratic Senate primary, ending his earlier pledge to stay neutral. Peters said Stevens is ready to fight for Michigan on day one. His support comes as Democrats work to keep the seat and improve their chances of winning back the Senate majority in November. The primary, set for Aug. 4, pits Stevens against progressive challenger Abdul ElSayed. Stevens has focused on manufacturing, jobs, and the auto industry, while ElSayed has pushed a more progressive platform that includes Medicareforall and campaign finance changes. Party leaders, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, have also backed Stevens, while ElSayed has support from Sen. Bernie Sanders and Sen. Chris Van Hollen. The winner will likely face Republican Mike Rogers, who is running unopposed for his party’s nomination, in what is expected to be one of the most expensive and closely watched Senate races this fall.