Democratic Candidates Under Scrutiny as Party Aims to Flip Red States

In Maine, the ongoing controversy surrounding Graham Platner is putting Democratic control of the Senate at risk, making the upcoming midterm elections feel even more unpredictable. Chief Congressional Correspondent Chad Pergram has looked into several contentious Senate races, including Michigan’s Abdul El-Sayed and Alaska’s Mary Peltola, both of whom have faced intense scrutiny over their past remarks and campaign strategies.

Recently, retiring Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich.) has changed his stance in Michigan’s significant Democratic Senate primary, now backing Rep. Haley Stevens. This shift comes as party leaders work to prevent her more progressive opponent, Abdul El-Sayed, from securing the nomination.

Peters, who is stepping down after serving two terms, made his endorsement public on Monday, stating that Stevens is “ready to fight for the state of Michigan from day one.” This marks a departure from his previous neutral position expressed in late May, when he told a news outlet he hadn’t planned to pick sides in the Aug. 4 primary.

As Democrats strive to retain the Michigan seat and reclaim Senate control, they are rallying around Stevens, a seasoned lawmaker who many within the party believe stands a strong chance in the general election.

Stevens has centered her campaign around issues related to manufacturing, job creation, and Michigan’s auto industry, while El-Sayed, a former health director with no prior political office experience, promotes a more progressive platform that includes “Medicare for All” and campaign finance reform. He has also focused on the Gaza conflict in his campaign, which illustrates a growing divide within the Democratic Party.

Peters’ endorsement follows the withdrawal of state Sen. Mallory McMorrow, leaving Stevens and El-Sayed as the primary contenders for the Democratic nomination.

“Senator Peters knows what it takes to win in Michigan, and he understands what the state needs in its next senator: grit, efficiency, hard work, and Michigan common sense,” Stevens said. “I’m honored to receive his support.”

Peters is a two-time Michigan Senate election winner and has previously led the Senate Democratic campaign effort in the 2022 and 2024 cycles.

His backing has been echoed by several prominent Democrats, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Sen. Ruben Gallego. Meanwhile, El-Sayed has garnered support from more progressive figures, such as Sens. Bernie Sanders and Chris Van Hollen.

The campaign tone has become increasingly personal in recent times, with El-Sayed criticizing Stevens for substantial outside funding that has bolstered her campaign, particularly contributions from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee. In response, Stevens accused El-Sayed of withholding his personal financial information. Both candidates exchanged accusations of negativity during their debate on July 7.

The Democratic nominee is expected to face Republican Mike Rogers, a former congressman who is pursuing the independent nomination for his party. The Senate race in November is anticipated to be one of the most competitive and costly in the country.

Michigan has taken on added significance for Democrats following a chaotic situation in Maine, where Graham Platner withdrew his candidacy amid allegations of sexual misconduct. This unexpected opening complicates the party’s aim to challenge Republican Sen. Susan Collins, intensifying pressure to secure victories in other pivotal states like Michigan.