DUELING ENDORSEMENTS

There’s campaign money, boots on the ground and positions on issues but a key and often overlooked ingredient in any election is also endorsements. A number of studies have shown announced public support from others can mean as much as 13-15 percent when it comes to influencing voters – at least in primary contests in which dedicated party voters cast ballots. Position papers from a number of social scientists say that the public support from notables helps identify if a candidate has similar interests and positions as someone casting a ballot. A powerful tool, especially with undecided voters. That would explain the constant stream of emails and press releases by candidates when they pick up endorsements from elected officials, community leaders and organizations. Take the race for the 2026 U.S. Senate in Michigan between Democrats Abdul El-Sayed, state Senator Mallory McMorrow and U.S. House member Haley Stevens. The endorsement battle is a fight to gain public backing in the Detroit and metro area, where statewide contests like this one are heavily influenced, while at the same time demonstrating the ability to garner support in the broader area of the Mitten State. Based on what’s posted on each candidate’s website, here’s an abbreviated peak at the declared who’s who. El-Sayed has on his list four members of congress, including Michigan Rep. Rashida Tlaib and Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders. Local officials, including Wayne County Executive Warren Evans. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison. Former Bloomfield Township Congressman Andy Levin. There’s a fairly long list of state House members. McMorrow’s list includes Trenton Bowers, chair of the Michigan Black Summit; four U.S. Senators, including Chris Murphy of Connecticut and Elizabeth Warren. Former governor and DNC Chair Howard Dean. John Cherry Jr., former Michigan Lieutenant Governor. Ten current Michigan lawmakers plus former members of the state legislature. A decent list of local officials from around the state, including newly elected Birmingham City Commissioner Bill Kolb. Directed at the Detroit vote, she has a few of the church leaders in the city. A few unions. The list for Stevens includes former Democratic State Party Chair Lavora Barnes. Former U.S. House member Brenda Lawrence of Southfield and House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi of California. Fourteen members of the Congressional Black Caucus have thrown their hat for her, along with the Michigan Democratic Black Caucus. Former Michigan Governor Jim Blanchard. Former state Senator Gilda Jacobs. Thirteen US. House members and a dozen or so elected Oakland officials and community leaders, plus about 11 Detroit area mayors. A fairly strong number of unions. Expect additions to all three lists in the remaining 90 days before primary ballots are issued in late June.

Abdul El-Sayed

Mallory McMorrow

Haley Stevens