Against the backdrop of a divisive primary that has exposed ideological divides among Democrats in battleground Michigan, the state's Democratic Party has planned a rally following the contest to celebrate its statewide ticket in a critical midterm election.
The rally will take place the evening of Friday, Aug. 7 in Detroit and feature the winners of the Tuesday, Aug. 4 Democratic primaries for U.S. Senate and governor.
The U.S. Senate race to decide who will face President Donald Trump-backed former Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers of White Lake has seen fireworks. The intraparty contest pits moderate U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens of Birmingham against former Detroit and Wayne County health director Abdul El-Sayed, who represents the left flank of the Democratic
Party.
While Stevens has the backing of outgoing U.S. Sen. Gary Peters, D-Michigan, and other establishment Democrats, El-Sayed has the support of U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vermont, and other prominent progressives.
The Democratic gubernatorial primary between Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Genesee County Sheriff Swanson has proven to be a relatively sleepy contest with Benson holding a consistent fundraising and polling edge. The winner will face either U.S. Rep. John James, R-Shelby Township, or Bloomfield Hills businessman Perry Johnson, depending on Republican voters' pick. (James has Trump's endorsement.)
The Michigan Democratic Party's post-primary rally will also feature Washtenaw County Prosecutor Eli Savit, who has the party's backing for attorney general, and Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II, who has received the party's endorsement for secretary of state. The Michigan GOP has endorsed Eaton County Prosecutor Doug Lloyd for attorney general and Macomb County Clerk Anthony Forlini for secretary of state.
Michigan Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel will also headline the rally along with unnamed special guests. Hertel has described the upcoming November midterm as a referendum on Trump's policies in Michigan, emphasizing cost of living challenges under the president's watch. Republicans, meanwhile, have characterized Democratic candidates as radical and ideologically out of step with Michigan voters.
Divisive primaries on the Democratic and GOP side pose a test to party unity heading into November. Some prominent Democratic politicians have already declined to make a commitment to endorse the party's nominees ahead of the primary.
Members of the public interested in attending the rally can RSVP here.
Looking for more on Michigan’s elections this year? Check out our voter guide, subscribe to our elections newsletter and always feel free to share your thoughts in a letter to the editor.
Contact Clara Hendrickson at chendrickson@freepress.com or 313-296-5743.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: After divisive primary, Michigan Democrats to rally statewide ticket
