Michigan Democrat Abdul El-Sayed became the first Senate candidate in the state to launch a television ad campaign this week, signaling a major acceleration in the race to succeed retiring U.S. Sen. Gary Peters. According to the campaign, an initial $400,000 is being deployed across Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing, and Flint.
The ad highlights El-Sayed’s background as a public health official and features endorsements from United Auto Workers and Sen. Bernie Sanders. El-Sayed faces a competitive Democratic primary against U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens and state Sen. Mallory McMorrow.
The primary contest, scheduled for August 4, has attracted significant financial backing from outside organizations. Media-buying data through June 15 indicates that at least five political groups have spent over $8.85 million supporting Stevens. Additionally, independent groups have reserved more than $5 million in airtime during June to promote McMorrow. The Fighting for Michigan PAC has also announced a multimillion-dollar independent expenditure campaign to support El-Sayed, encompassing digital ads, direct mail, and grassroots organizing.
With early voting set to begin as soon as June 25, the influx of capital from Super PACs and independent expenditure groups underscores the high stakes of the primary, the winner of which is expected to face former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers in the general election.