The Michigan Democratic Party is trying to unite its voters after a contentious primary Tuesday where progressives earned major victories.
Former Detroit and Wayne County health director Abdul El-Sayed defeated U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens by less than single percentage point on Tuesday.
The race represented the Democratic Party’s fracture over the influence of corporations in politics and the party’s support for Israel. Some called the race a battle for the soul of the party.
Winners of the Tuesday primary joined former U.S. transportation secretary Pete Buttigieg for what the party described as a unity rally on Detroit’s west side Friday evening.
Democratic Party chair Curtis Hertel told the Michigan Chronicle the party is coming together to defeat Republicans in November despite the differences between candidates.
Hertel mentioned on stage that El-Sayed and Stevens embraced at a unity breakfast on Thursday. He acknowledged there are differences within the party but points to opposition to Donald Trump as what brings both sides together.
“There was a record difference between us,” Hertel said of the nearly 60,000 more Democrats that voted in the primary election than Republicans. “We’re seeing Democrats unite together… One team, Michigan.”
Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield pointed to that difference in voting numbers to argue Democrats have the momentum heading into November. Benson, who received Sheffield’s endorsement after former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan ended his independent bid for governor, thanked voters for trusting her after defeating Genesee Sheriff Chris Swanson Tuesday.
“Right now, federal-led government, especially federal level, is showing up everywhere we don’t want it,” Benson said. “Our polling places, mass federal agents in the streets of Michigan, and terrorizing residents, showing up everywhere we don’t want it, and nowhere where we actually need it.”
Hertel flashed a t-shirt featuring the first names of each candidate, gubernatorial nominee Jocelyn Benson, El-Sayed, attorney general candidate Eli Savit and Secretary of State candidate Garlin Gilchrist.
Supreme Court Justices Noah Hood and Megan Cavanagh spoke about helping solve problems through courts, calling Michigan a national leader in problem solving courts.
“Treating each person with dignity and fairness, that is what leadership on our Supreme Court is all about, we’ve worked too hard to let that progress slip away,” Cavanagh said.
El-Sayed on stage led the crowd in his signature slogan, “Money out of politics, money in your pocket, Medicare for all.” He received the loudest ovation from the crowd in Detroit’s Renaissance High School gymnasium.
El-Sayed’s victory in the primary over Stevens was powered by thousands of volunteer door knockers passing out yard signs and campaign literature.
“In order to deliver big wins in November, we must organize, organize, organize” said Abbas Alaweih, who won his primary election to represent Dearborn in the state Senate on Tuesday.
El-Sayed will face former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers in November. Benson faces U.S. Rep. John James. Savit is across the ballot from Republican attorney general candidate Eaton County Prosecutor Doug Lloyd. Gilchrist takes on Macomb County Clerk Anthony Forlini.
