Democratic Senate Primary Turns Bitter as Candidates Trade Attacks
Three Democratic Senate candidates trade sharp attacks over deleted social posts, medical credentials and past ICE support as August primary heats up.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN — The Democratic primary race for U.S. Senate has escalated into bitter attacks as three candidates battle over deleted social media posts, professional credentials, and past policy positions ahead of the August election.
State Sen. Mallory McMorrow of Royal Oak, U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens of Birmingham, and former Wayne County health official Abdul El-Sayed are trading increasingly sharp criticisms in what began as a quiet contest with similar policy platforms.
McMorrow Under Fire for Deleted Posts
McMorrow faced scrutiny last week after reports surfaced that she deleted thousands of social media posts. The deleted content included profane commentary about Michigan winters and potentially compromising statements about voting in California while establishing permanent residence in Michigan.
Stevens’ campaign issued a news release criticizing McMorrow’s decision to delete the posts and her response to the controversy. McMorrow’s campaign defended the posts as authentic musings of an average millennial, with the candidate standing by her previous statements.
McMorrow appeared on CNN to dismiss the reporting as a cheap shot at her campaign, but critics described the interview as disastrous for her Senate bid. Stevens’ campaign was among the loudest voices using that characterization.
Stevens Faces Own Challenges
Stevens’ attack on McMorrow came after her own difficult moment at April’s Michigan Democratic Party endorsement convention, where she was booed on stage. The incident highlighted political fault lines within the party, particularly over issues related to Israel.
The congresswoman’s criticism of McMorrow represents an attempt to shift focus from her convention performance while capitalizing on her opponent’s social media controversy.
El-Sayed Draws Fire Over Credentials
Abdul El-Sayed faces accusations about positioning himself as a doctor despite never really practicing medicine, according to attacks from his opponents. The former Wayne County health official’s medical background has become a point of contention in the race.
Criticism has emerged regarding El-Sayed’s past support for Immigration and Customs Enforcement despite documented evidence of agency abuses. His opponents have used this position to question his progressive credentials in the Democratic primary.
Primary Battle Intensifies
The three-way race initially featured broad policy overlap and limited direct confrontation between the candidates. However, recent weeks have seen a marked shift toward more aggressive campaign tactics and personal attacks.
The escalating tension reflects the high stakes of the Senate race, with the winner likely facing significant Republican opposition in the general election. Each candidate is working to differentiate themselves from their primary opponents while appealing to Democratic voters across Michigan.
The Democratic primary will determine who represents the party in what is expected to be a competitive Senate race. All three candidates continue campaigning across the state as the August primary approaches.
