Your Weekly Michigan Political Brief

U.S. Senate

U.S. Sen. Tina Smith (D-Minnesota) announced her endorsement of Abdul El-Sayed for Michigan’s open U.S. Senate seat, as did U.S. Rep. Adelita Grijalva (D-Arizona) and state Rep. Reggie Miller (D-Van Buren Township). El-Sayed was also added to End Citizens United “Unrig Washington” program.

U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens, who is also seeking the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate, earned the endorsement of Pastor Duane Seats of Abundant Life Church of God in Christ in Benton Harbor.

Congress

New Politics endorsed Callie Barr for Congress in Michigan’s 1st District.

U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) endorsed Democrat Bridget Brink for Michigan’s 7th Congressional District as did Williamstown Township Clerk Robin Cleveland and Moms Fed Up.

Former state Rep. Dianne Byrum (D-Onondaga) endorsed Matt Maasdam in the Democratic primary for Congress in Michigan’s 7th Congressional District.

U.S. Rep. Summer Lee (D-Pennsylvania) endorsed state Rep. Donavan McKinney (D-Detroit) as he pursues the Democratic nomination for Michigan’s 13th Congressional District. Also endorsing McKinney was Congressional candidates Claire Valdez, Darializa Avila Chevalier and Brad Lander of New York.

Meanwhile, the lawmaker McKinney is trying to unseat, U.S. Rep. Shri Thanedar (D-Detroit), rolled up endorsements from House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-New York), Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (D-Massachusetts) and Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar )D-California).

Governor

U.S. Rep. John James, who is seeking the Republican gubernatorial nomination, was endorsed by state Sens. Roger Hauck (R-Mount Pleasant) and Michael Webber (R-Rochester Hills), state Rep. Parker Fairbairn (R-Harbor Springs) and Livingston County Sheriff Mike Murphy, who is also a candidate for Michigan Senate.

Republican candidate for governor Perry Johnson was endorsed by state Rep. Steve Carra (R-Three Rivers) and the Michigan Conservative Coalition.

Ironworkers Local 25 endorsed Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson as he seeks the Democratic gubernatorial nomination.

Legislature

Former state Rep. Abraham Aiyash (D-Hamtramck) announced endorsements from U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Detroit), state Rep. Stephanie Young (D-Detroit) and labor organizations including Unite Here Local 24, Laborers Local 1191, IBEW Local 58, American Federation of Teachers, Michigan Education Association, Michigan Professional Fire Fighters Union, Michigan Nurses Association, and the Wayne Academic Union.

Democrat Katrina Manetta‘s campaign for Michigan’s 58th House District earned endorsements from the Northern Midwest Regional Council of Carpenters, SMART Transportation Division PAC, MI Rural PAC, the Committee to Protect Health Care, the Sierra Club, and the College Democrats at Oakland University.

Khristian Silvis, Democratic candidate for Michigan’s 84th State House District, earned endorsements from all five of Kent County’s Democratic state representatives, including outgoing Rep. Carol Glanville (D-Walker), who currently holds the seat, and Floor Leader John Fitzgerald (D-Wyoming).

All of the Above

The Mothering Justice Action Fund, which is “dedicated to returning decision-making power to those most impacted, mothers of color” announced its slate of endorsements for state and federal offices, as did Rising Voices, which seeks to “organize and develop the leadership of Asian American women,” and Rank MI Vote PAC.

And finally…

If you made it through high school with a girlfriend/friend who is willing to do this for you years later – you were one of the good ones. https://t.co/CKFdPl4LI9

— Kasey Helton (@KaseyHelton05) July 23, 2026