Michigan Gov Whitmer congratulates El-Sayed, expressing support after backing his opponent in Dem primary

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Wednesday expressed her support for state Democratic U.S. Senate primary winner Abdul El-Sayed after backing his opponent, U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens, in the contest.

"Congratulations to Jocelyn Benson, Abdul El-Sayed, and every Democrat who won up and down the ballot in this primary. They’ve got my support as we fight like hell together to win in November," Whitmer wrote in a post on X.

"Together, let’s stop MAGA Republicans so we can get to work and deliver results for the people of Michigan," she added.

EL-SAYED'S THREAT AGAINST GOP RIVAL BACKFIRES AS CONSERVATIVES BRING RECEIPTS: 'IS DUBAI IN FLORIDA?'

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer listens as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, U.S. representative for New York's 14th congressional district, speaks during a townhall panel on U.S. foreign policy at the 62nd Munich Security Conference on Feb. 13, 2026 in Munich, Germany. (Sean Gallup/Getty Images)

El-Sayed edged out Stevens by about 1% in the close contest.

The congresswoman congratulated her opponent and extended her support.

EL-SAYED CAMPAIGN BACKED BY OVER $100,000 FROM DOZENS OF MEMBERS OF GROUP WITH ALLEGED TERROR TIES

U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens (L), D-Mich., a candidate for Michigan's open U.S. Senate seat, hosts a "Meet and Greet" campaign event with former House Majority Whip Congressman Jim Clyburn, D-S.C., and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (R) at Michigan Conference-Teamsters on July 24, 2026, in Detroit, Michigan. (Bill Pugliano/Getty Images)

"I love Michigan and am so proud to have put up my hand to serve. I spoke with Abdul a few moments ago to offer him my full support as we work to defeat Mike Rogers this November. Thank you, Michigan," Stevens wrote in a post on X.

El-Sayed shared her post and wrote, "Putting your hand up to participate in democracy is no easy thing. Thank you for running, Congresswoman. Looking forward to uniting this fall to beat Mike Rogers. Because what unites us is so much bigger than what divides us."

DEMS' LEFTWARD LURCH GETS LEGS AS EL-SAYED'S MICHIGAN SENATE VICTORY SPARKS PARTY DEBATE

Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate Abdul El-Sayed speaks to supporters at an election-night rally at the Majestic Theatre on Aug. 4, 2026, in Detroit, Michigan. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)

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Former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, the Republican who lost the 2024 Michigan U.S. Senate race to Democrat Elissa Slotkin, is running for U.S. Senate in the state again this year.