In a high-stakes move that could reshape the political landscape in Michigan, Democratic Representative Haley Stevens has officially announced her candidacy for the U.S. Senate. As the race to replace retiring Sen. Gary Peters heats up, Stevens brings her economic expertise, auto industry credentials, and firm opposition to Donald Trump’s trade policies into the spotlight.
A Competitive Democratic Primary Emerges in Michigan
Stevens enters a closely watched Democratic Senate primary, joining state Sen. Mallory McMorrow and former Wayne County health director Abdul El-Sayed. With Michigan expected to be a pivotal battleground in the 2026 elections, the stakes are high. Holding this seat is crucial for Democrats aiming to regain control of the Senate chamber.
Unlike her competitors, Stevens has chosen a clear economic and industry-focused message. Her campaign centers on safeguarding Michigan’s critical auto industry and countering the “chaotic” impact of Trump’s tariffs.
“Trump’s reckless trade war has threatened tens of thousands of Michigan jobs,” Stevens stated in her campaign launch video. “As someone who’s spent her career fighting for working families and protecting our state’s economy, I know we deserve better.”
Haley Stevens’ Auto Industry Expertise
A defining pillar of Stevens’ campaign is her deep-rooted connection to Michigan’s auto industry. She served as chief of staff for the Obama administration’s Auto Task Force, which played a pivotal role in rescuing the automotive sector during the Great Recession.
Her announcement featured footage of President Obama praising her leadership during the bailout, a strategic move that emphasizes her hands-on experience with economic recovery and job preservation.
“Michigan runs on cars,” she said. “And I’ve spent my career making sure that our workers and manufacturers survive and thrive.”
Drawing Battle Lines Against Trump and Musk
Stevens didn’t hold back in calling out former President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk. Her campaign video juxtaposes clips of both figures with commentary on inflation, rising housing prices, and economic uncertainty.
“What the heck are they doing?” she asked, echoing frustration from many middle-class voters.
She accused Trump of caring little for working families, referencing his nonchalant stance on rising auto prices as evidence of economic mismanagement.
This critique also aligns Stevens with core Democratic economic values, emphasizing worker protections, affordable housing, and sustainable growth.
Proven Experience in High-Stakes Elections
Stevens’ political resilience gives her a strong edge. She flipped a Republican-held House seat in 2018 and survived a tough re-election in 2020. In 2022, she defeated fellow Democrat Andy Levin after redistricting forced them into the same district. Her comfortable win in the newly drawn, Democratic-leaning 11th District established her as a formidable figure in Michigan politics.
Democratic Rivals and Internal Tensions
The Democratic primary is shaping up to be a vigorous contest. Abdul El-Sayed, endorsed by Sen. Bernie Sanders, and Mallory McMorrow, who gained national attention for a viral floor speech in 2022, both bring unique progressive credentials.
El-Sayed and McMorrow have been critical of the Democratic establishment. Their launch videos contain jabs at Congressional Democrats, including symbolic references to “paper paddles and broken promises” — a veiled critique of perceived ineffectiveness.
McMorrow declared, “The same old crap out of Washington isn’t working.”
This intraparty tension sets the stage for a dynamic Democratic primary, likely to test the party’s unity and strategy heading into a vital election year.
A Strengthening GOP Contender
On the Republican side, former Rep. Mike Rogers has entered the race, touting endorsements from Senate GOP leadership, including Majority Leader John Thune and Sen. Tim Scott. Rogers narrowly lost the 2024 Senate race by less than half a point, and his early support positions him as a serious contender.
The potential face-off between Stevens and Rogers could be one of the most-watched Senate battles in the country.
Broader Democratic Senate Challenges
Nationally, Democrats are defending several open Senate seats in swing states, including Georgia and Michigan, both of which Trump carried in 2024. To regain the Senate majority, Democrats need to win four additional seats, making Michigan a cornerstone in that strategy.
Rep. Haley Stevens is entering the 2026 Michigan Senate race with a bold, experience-driven message centered on economic stability, manufacturing strength, and resistance to the return of Trump-era chaos. With a proven electoral track record and strong ties to Michigan’s automotive industry. Stevens is positioning herself as a pragmatic, pro-jobs Democrat who understands what’s at stake for working families.
