Outgoing Gov. Gretchen Whitmer could give Michigan a parting gift by helping ensure this state doesn't join the ranks of those sending Democratic Socialists to Washington.

The governor hasn't weighed in on the primary race between Congresswoman Haley Stevens and Abdul El-Sayed, a socialist who is fast becoming the national poster boy for the surging far-left movement. On Tuesday, she said some of the rhetoric in the race is concerning.

Polling suggests the Democratic primary race is extremely close going into the final 10 days before the Aug. 4 primary. A nod in Steven's direction from the popular Democratic governor could push her across the finish line.

"It would help," Stevens says. "We would welcome the governor's endorsement."

Political experts share that assessment, noting Whitmer's support could counter the enthusiasm of progressive voters for El-Sayed.

"His rallies have incredible energy," says Alexis Wiley, strategist for former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan. "But Democratic primaries still draw moderates, and Gretchen Whitmer's endorsement would help any candidate. She has maintained remarkable popularity among Democratic voters."

A Detroit News/WDIV poll from earlier this month confirms Whitmer's potential to influence the race. The survey of likely primary voters found half of those who are undecided would be moved by an endorsement from Whitmer. Roughly 10% of the Democratic electorate hadn't made up its mind. Stevens held a seven percentage point advantage over El-Sayed in The News' poll. The Real Clear Politics polling average has Stevens ahead by 4.5 percentage points.

Whitmer has said she won't endorse in the Senate race because she's focused on doing her job. She also hasn't formally backed candidates in other key statewide races, including for secretary of state, where her lieutenant governor, Garlin Gilchrist is the Democratic nominee.

Sen. Gary Peters, who created the job opening with his retirement announcement, endorsed Stevens, as did former Sen. Debbie Stabenow. But Michigan's junior senator, Elissa Slotkin, remains with Whitmer on the sidelines.

That's a decision Slotkin in particular may come to regret should El-Sayed make it to the Senate. He's a show-boater and bomb-thrower who is not likely to defer to Slotkin's senior status. That won't play well given her tender ego. El-Sayed would be working every day to outshine her and would make it harder for her and other middle-ground senators to keep the Democratic caucus relevant to mainstream America.

Whitmer, who enjoys a 52% approval rating as her tenure draws to a close, has angered Democrats recently with her veto of nine bills enacting an array of progressive policies passed by the Legislature when it had a Democratic majority but never moved to her desk. She's also getting push-back from the party's green wing for allowing the Line 5 tunnel permitting to proceed.

But for the key Democratic base of White, non-progressive voters that Stevens needs to rally, the governor could help close the enthusiasm gap.

Stevens knows she's in a fight. She has $3.4 million to spend over this final stretch, and she'll be using it to improve her standing in western and northern Michigan, and to shore up her support among Black voters, where she believes she's stronger than El-Sayed.

What she won't be doing is playing the socialist card against him. Apparently, polling indicates the messages the campaign has settled on — that El-Sayed has disrespected women and Stevens helped save the automobile industry — is the most effective one-two punch as the race enters the final round.

Some political experts believe Whitmer's endorsement could be worth two-to-three percentage points at this stage of a tight race.

If Whitmer doesn't take a stand against the socialist wrecking crew, what will she tell her peers when the Democratic Party they've built lies in shambles?

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