Michigan’s Democratic U.S. Senate candidates debate on Mackinac Island

MACKINAC ISLAND, Mich. — The top three Democratic candidates for Michigan’s U.S. Senate seat took to the debate stage Thursday at the Mackinac Policy Conference.

U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens, State Sen. Mallory McMorrow and former public health official Abdul El-Sayed took part in the debate.

Thursday’s debate came on the third day of the annual policy conference.

The three Democratic candidates talked about some of the most pressing issues facing Michiganders. They offered their ideas about the state’s economy, legislation and how they’ll help Michigan from their U.S. Senate position.

El-Sayed said if the focus was on common ground, corporations could be taken out and people put back in.

“If we’re serious about solving problems, why don’t we focus on that common ground?” El-Sayed said. “And if we did, rather than coming up here and figuring out how corporations can buy corporate politicians to do corporate bidding, maybe we would actually be asking, how do we deliver for those folks? How do we take the corporations out, put the people back in?”

Stevens said she wants to make sure the state continues to lead and that no one stands in the way.

“I want to make sure that our state continues to lead,” Stevens said. “And I want to make sure that no one stands in our way. Not Donald Trump, not Mike Rogers, not the people who are looking to sell us out.”

McMorrow said Democrats need to deliver on civil rights, voting rights, health care and childcare.

“To deliver on civil rights, voting rights, health care, childcare, you name it, we’ve done it,” McMorrow said. “We are calling out for a new Democratic Party. I know how to fight, win, and deliver. And with your support, we will do exactly that.”

Stevens, McMorrow and El-Sayed will face off in the Aug. 4 primary election, with the winner squaring off against former U.S. congressman for Michigan, Mike Rogers.

The candidates are competing to fill the seat that will be left vacant by Democratic Sen. Gary Peters, who announced he will not seek re-election.

Watch the full debate below:

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