Michigan Democrat Mallory McMorrow drops out of Senate race weeks before primary https://ift.tt/L3nYQxp

Mallory McMorrow announced Sunday that she is suspending her campaign for the U.S. Senate.

The Michigan state senator's decision leaves the Democratic primary as a two-way race between Rep. Haley Stevens and former Wayne County Health Department Director Abdul El-Sayed. 

McMorrow's name will remain on the ballot for the Aug. 4 primary as ballots have already been printed and distributed to absentee voters, according to Bridge Michigan.

In a video posted on X announcing her decision, McMorrow did not provide a specific reason for ending her campaign. She instead thanked her staff and supporters for helping build what she described as a campaign powered by small-dollar donations and no corporate PAC money.

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McMorrow also pledged to fully support whichever Democrat wins the Aug. 4 primary and will likely face Mike Rogers in November, in what is expected to be one of the nation's most competitive Senate races.

"So here's what we do next. Every day through November 3rd. We win this Senate seat and send Mike Rogers back to Florida for good," she said. "Whoever wins this primary on August 4th will have my full support."

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Following McMorrow's announcement, Stevens praised her fellow Democrat by calling her an "important voice" for policies that benefit Michigan families. 

Stevens then argued that she is the strongest Democratic candidate to win the primary and defeat Rogers in November. 

"As we enter the final month of the primary election, I'm excited to continue to make my case to Michiganders why I'm the strongest Democrat to defeat Mike Rogers this November, lower costs, protect manufacturing jobs, and stand up to Trump's abuses of power."

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In his statement, El-Sayed praised McMorrow for having the "courage" to challenge what he described as a rigged political system, accusing Democratic Party insiders of spending millions to influence the primary. While he did not name specific groups, the remarks appeared to reference corporate PACs and party leaders such as Chuck Schumer, who has endorsed Stevens. 

He then invited McMorrow’s supporters to join his progressive movement to combat big money in politics and defeat the political establishment. 

"Throughout this campaign, Senator McMorrow showed what it looks like to fight back against politics that rigs the system against too many of us. While we have policy disagreements, I never questioned whether Senator McMorrow would fight for a better America for my daughters and hers," he said. 

"The same party insiders she had the courage to challenge have been bullying anyone who opposes their chosen candidate. After spending $30 million to drown Senator McMorrow and me out, they’re now spending even more to attack me. It’s everything we are standing up against."

"I welcome her supporters to our movement to stand up against money in politics, to put money back in pockets, and pass Medicare for All. We cannot allow the establishment to decide our nominee for us."