Detroit – With Michigan’s Tuesday primary fast approaching, Democratic U.S. Senate hopefuls Rep. Haley Stevens and Dr. Abdul El-Sayed hit the campaign trail across metro Detroit on Sunday.
It was a last-minute push to win over undecided voters in a race drawing national attention.
The contest is one of the most closely watched in the country, as Michigan is expected to play a pivotal role in determining which party controls the U.S. Senate next year.
Stevens, a three-term congresswoman from Oakland County, and El-Sayed, a physician and former Detroit health director, are vying for their party’s nomination.
El-Sayed gathered with supporters at a café in Detroit before leading a march to the Spirit of Detroit statue downtown.
“We set out to build a movement to get money out of politics, put money in pockets and pass Medicare for all,” El-Sayed told the crowd. “The movement is what we’ve built and we’re looking to take that on.”
Stevens held a rally in Madison Heights, emphasizing she is willing to confront powerful interests.
“They want to see abuses of power being stood up to,” Stevens said of Michigan voters. “I’m being very present, as I have been this entire campaign, and it’s really an exciting moment. Every vote counts.”
The primary has also become one of the most expensive battles in the country. According to AdImpact, a firm that tracks political advertising, more than $80 million had been spent on ads in the democratic race by the end of July.
The flood of money and attention reflects high stakes in Washington. Michigan is one of a handful of key states that could determine which party holds the Senate majority.
The contest has exposed ideological and generational rifts within the Democratic Party. Stevens has drawn strong support from moderates and establishment figures, while El-Sayed has become a favorite of progressives.
Congressman Jim Clyburn of South Carolina, has campaigned for Stevens, arguing she is best equipped to motivate a broad coalition of voters.
“I know what it takes to energize Democratic voters,” Clyburn said while stumping for Stevens. “I know she has what it takes to energize Democratic voters. And we need that.”
El-Sayed, meanwhile, has campaigned alongside progressive leaders, including Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont.
“We need fundamental changes in the Democratic Party,” Sanders said supporting El-Sayed. “We need to be a party that opens its doors to young people, people of color, to working class people. Democrats cannot continue to be a party that just simply works the benefit of the very very wealthy. We need a radical transformation of that party to stand up for ordinary Americans.”
The winner of the Democratic primary will face Republican Mike Rogers in November.