Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), a leading Democratic candidate for the state’s vacant Senate seat, said private polls in the state show President Biden trailing former President Trump.
“We’re thrilled to be part of this amazing organization,” Slotkin told donors during a fundraiser on Tuesday. The New York Times.
“Right now, President Biden is behind President Trump in all of our polling, and the Senate race is close,” Slotkin said during a video call with donors, The Times reported.
Slotkin currently has a 62 percent chance of beating her Republican challenger in the general election, according to The Hill/Decision Desk HQ. The primary is on Aug. 6.
The poll also showed Biden had a 53 percent chance of winning Michigan.
Slotkin said Sen. Debbie Stabenow, 74, is running for Senate only because she is “taking a radical step and naming a successor.”
Stabenow used the same language when he announced his retirement in 2023, saying he was inspired by a new generation of leaders and had “decided to pass the baton.”
It was unclear whether Slotkin was referring to concerns that Biden would not step aside for a new nominee.
Democrats are increasingly voicing concern about whether Biden can beat Trump in this fall’s election and, if re-elected, serve another four years in office.
Other Democrats said they worried Biden remaining the nominee could hurt their party in House and Senate elections as well.
Biden sent a letter to Democratic lawmakers on Monday, firmly rejecting calls for him to step down. He said talks about a new nominee needed to end and it was time for lawmakers to “come together.”
Slotkin’s campaign declined to comment.
Updated 6:08 p.m.
