State Senator Mallory McMorrow from Michigan has ended her campaign for the U.S. Senate after struggling with low polling and fundraising compared to her main competitors. Her attempt to position herself between a left-wing candidate and one backed by the party establishment did not gain enough support.

In a social media announcement, Ms. McMorrow expressed her gratitude to her volunteers and donors. Her departure leaves the Democratic primary in Michigan as a contest between Representative Haley Stevens and Dr. Abdul El-Sayed. Ms. Stevens, a moderate, has support from Senator Chuck Schumer and pro-Israel organizations. Meanwhile, Dr. El-Sayed, a progressive former public health official, is endorsed by Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

Ms. McMorrow did not endorse anyone after withdrawing but expressed her intention to support the primary victor. She had argued against the need to choose between Ms. Stevens, who has strong ties to the party establishment, and Dr. El-Sayed, whose progressive stance raised concerns about his general election viability. Dr. El-Sayed previously lost the 2018 Democratic primary for governor against Gretchen Whitmer, who won the general elections comfortably.

Ms. McMorrow described the choice between Ms. Stevens and Dr. El-Sayed as a “false binary choice.” According to her, voters faced a decision between the status quo represented by Ms. Stevens and a candidate like Dr. El-Sayed, who had not previously won an election campaign.

On the Republican side, former Representative Mike Rogers is expected to be the nominee after narrowly losing the 2024 Senate race. The seat is being vacated by Senator Gary Peters, who will not seek a third term. The primary is scheduled for August 4.

Democrats view retaining Michigan’s Senate seat as essential for their ambitions to control the Senate following the November midterm elections. The party needs to hold its current battlegrounds and win at least four more seats from the Republicans to gain a majority.

Ms. McMorrow’s popularity waned after she criticized Dr. El-Sayed for sharing a stage with Hasan Piker, who has defended Hamas and criticized Israel. Her criticism inadvertently highlighted Dr. El-Sayed’s appeal as the lone progressive candidate willing to challenge U.S. military aid to Israel. Additionally, Ms. McMorrow did not gain traction among moderates amid substantial pro-Stevens advertising support.