The 2028 implications of Michigans Senate race: From the Politics Desk
Welcome to From the Politics Desk, a daily newsletter that brings you the NBC News Politics team’s latest reporting and analysis from the White House, Capitol Hill and the campaign trail.In today’s edition, Jonathan Allen explains why Democrats with presidential aspirations will be paying close attention to the outcome of the Michigan Senate election.Plus, Alexandra Marquez identifies an issue that has united candidates in both parties in tight races.— Adam WollnerThe 2028 implications of Michigan’s Senate raceAnalysis by Jonathan AllenPotential Democratic presidential hopefuls are starting to make sure they find their way to Michigan to campaign for Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed.Former Vice President Kamala Harris was there this week.
Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, a former South Bend, Indiana, mayor who now lives in Michigan, appeared with El-Sayed in August.And Sen.
Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., has said he’ll be on the trail next month with El-Sayed, a darling of the left wing of the party.It’s less about him than it is about them.That’s because El-Sayed presents a bit of a two-fer in the endorsement game: 2028 contenders can cozy up to the left and advance the party’s goal of retaking the Senate.
Whether El-Sayed wins or loses, those who campaigned with him will surely take credit for both the former and the latter come presidential primary season.The other thing that is as certain as death and taxes is that El-Sayed’s performance against Republican Mike Rogers this fall will be treated within Democratic circles as a sign of whether to sprint left or hit the brakes in 2028.After all, Michigan is a crucial swing state, and, if El-Sayed wins, progressives will argue that they have proven a Bernie Sanders acolyte can capture the presidency.
He might not even have to win for that case to be made.On the other hand, more mainstream Democrats would take a defeat — flipping a Democratic seat into Republican hands — as a proof point tha...