Trump may be just what Michigan Democrats need after bruising primary

Democrats have a unity problem three months out from the general election, after a bruising primary that showed how evenly the party’s voters are split between progressive and centrist visions for its future. 

President Trump may be exactly what they need to pull together and defeat the GOP nominee, former Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Mich.), strategists told The Hill.

Despite their preferred candidate, Rep. Haley Stevens (D-Mich.), being defeated by Abdul El-Sayed, the party’s establishment was quick to encourage their base to coalesce behind the progressive former health official, citing the threat of Trump. 

Stevens said in her concession speech that Trump and Rogers “want us to come out of this primary tired and divided,” while Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D), who had endorsed Stevens, said Rogers and Republicans would be a “rubber stamp for the Trump agenda,” throwing her support behind El-Sayed. 

The congresswoman and the Senate nominee appeared together at a “unity breakfast” for Michigan Democrats on Thursday, even embracing on stage. 

Following his win, El-Sayed set the tone for the party moving forward. 

“Mike Rogers is a guy who, believe it or not, went back to Florida so he can lick every single boot Donald Trump owns to beg for his endorsement,” El-Sayed told supporters following his victory. 

Despite Trump flipping Michigan twice in 2016 and 2024, Democrats say Trump’s poor approval rating, coupled with his handling of the economy, are enough to unite a broad spectrum of voters. 

“Frankly I’m not that worried as long as Abdul talks more about costs and corruption than today’s intraparty fight. Democrats really hate Trump,” said Andrew Mamo, a Democratic operative who has advised candidates this cycle including Mallory McMorrow, who suspended her Senate bid last month. 

Even some Republicans acknowledge the unifying effect Trump has on Democrats of all stripes. 

“They will eat whatever shit sandwich is put in front of them if the end goal is putting a check on Trump in Congress,” said Jason Cable Roe, a Michigan-based Republican strategist. 

Trump’s approval rating in Michigan sits at 37 percent, according to an online tracking poll from........

© The Hill