Today’s installment of campaign-related news items from across the country.
* In Michigan’s closely watched U.S. Senate race, the three-way Democratic primary has become a two-person race in a contest that’s a must-win for Democrats if they’re going to have any chance of taking the majority.
State Sen. Mallory McMorrow suspended her statewide bid on Sunday, declining to endorse either of her former intraparty rivals, U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens and Abdul El-Sayed, a former public health official.
That said, party leaders and their allies wasted little time in making their preference known. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer had already endorsed Stevens, and within hours of McMorrow’s exit, state Attorney General Dana Nessel also threw her backing behind the congresswoman, as did EMILY’s List, a progressive group focused on electing Democratic women who support abortion rights.
El-Sayed, who also wasted little time in trying to appeal to McMorrow’s supporters, has continued to argue that Stevens is backed by “establishment” figures, while he enjoys the backing of the party’s activist base. The primary is Aug. 4.
* A state judge has already ruled that retired teacher Dan J. Sullivan can, in fact, run against incumbent Republican Sen. Dan S. Sullivan, overturning a recent decision from the Alaska Division of Elections; the circumstances surrounding the challenger’s candidacy are now facing investigations from the Alaska attorney general’s office, the U.S. attorney’s office in Alaska and the FBI.
* In New Hampshire’s U.S. Senate race (another must-win contest for Democrats if they’re going to have any chance of taking the majority), the latest poll from the Saint Anselm College Survey Center found Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas leading former Republican Sen. John Sununu, 47% to 41%. The latest University of New Hampshire poll, however, found a more competitive contest, with Pappas leading Sununu by only 3 points, 47% to 44%.
* A Democrat hasn’t won a U.S. Senate race in Iowa in almost two decades, but the latest Fox News poll found Democratic state Rep. Josh Turek ahead of Republican Rep. Ashley Hinson, 50% to 46%. Among those who consider themselves “extremely” motivated to vote, Turek’s advantage is 15 points.
* Speaking of Iowa, the same Fox News poll found Democratic state auditor Rob Sand ahead of Republican Zach Lahn, 53% to 44%, in the Hawkeye State’s gubernatorial race.
* In Georgia’s closely watched U.S. Senate race, a separate Fox News poll offered Sen. Jon Ossoff some good news: The Democratic incumbent led Republican Rep. Mike Collins, 56% to 43%.
* As difficult as this might be to believe, the latest KSTP/SurveyUSA poll in Minnesota found MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell leading the GOP’s gubernatorial primary field with 27% support. The next closest rival was Kendall Qualls, a healthcare technology executive, who had 17% support in the poll.
* July isn’t generally seen as a big month for elections, but there are some notable contests on deck this month, and Bolts put together a handy guide highlighting races of interest.
The post Monday’s Campaign Round-Up, 7.6.26: McMorrow’s departure jolts Senate race in Michigan appeared first on MS NOW.