Three Michigan Democrats vie for Senate seat with affordability focus

Candidates Haley Stevens, Mallory McMorrow, and Abdul El-Sayed offer different visions to address economic concerns in battleground state

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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In the race for the open U.S. Senate seat in Michigan, three Democratic candidates - U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens, state Sen. Mallory McMorrow, and physician Abdul El-Sayed - are making affordability and the cost of living central to their campaigns. The candidates are taking different approaches, from Stevens' focus on manufacturing and union issues to McMorrow's proposals to expand aid for new mothers to El-Sayed's diagnosis of corporate greed as the root cause. The outcome of the August primary will be crucial for Democrats' chances of retaining control of the Senate in the November midterm elections.

Why it matters

Michigan is a key battleground state, and the race to replace retiring Democratic Sen. Gary Peters will be pivotal in determining the balance of power in the Senate. The candidates' ability to connect with voters struggling with economic pressures could sway the primary and general election results.

The details

Stevens is campaigning against Trump's tariff policies, which she says have hurt Michigan's manufacturing sector and driven up prices. McMorrow wants to expand a state program providing cash grants to new mothers, while El-Sayed has long advocated for Medicare for All and blames corporate greed for high costs. The three Democrats are offering different visions to address the economic concerns that fueled Trump's 2024 victory in the state.

  • The Michigan Senate primary election is scheduled for August 2026.
  • Democratic Sen. Gary Peters is retiring, leaving the seat open.

The players

Haley Stevens

U.S. Representative from Michigan's 11th congressional district, running in the Democratic Senate primary.

Mallory McMorrow

Michigan state senator, running in the Democratic Senate primary.

Abdul El-Sayed

Physician and former county health official, running in the Democratic Senate primary.

Mike Rogers

Former U.S. Congressman, the likely Republican nominee for the Senate seat.

Elissa Slotkin

Democratic U.S. Representative who won the Senate seat in 2024 after it was previously held by Republican Mike Rogers.

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What they’re saying

“He's been more focused on cutting deals all over the world than cutting deals here in Michigan, and now we have job insecurity and in some cases job loss.”

— Haley Stevens, U.S. Representative (wbal.com)

“When something's working, you expand on it. I think there's a huge opportunity where Michigan has done a lot of things right that we can ensure every American benefits from.”

— Mallory McMorrow, Michigan State Senator (wbal.com)

“In an era where union membership is near an all-time low and in an era where inequality is near an all-time high, we have to recognize that these two things are not a coincidence, they are one in the same problem.”

— Abdul El-Sayed, Physician and former county health official (wbal.com)

What’s next

The Michigan Senate Democratic primary election is scheduled for August 2026, and the winner will face the likely Republican nominee, former Congressman Mike Rogers, in the November general election.

The takeaway

The race for the open U.S. Senate seat in Michigan highlights the Democratic party's efforts to connect with voters struggling with economic pressures, particularly in battleground states like Michigan. The three candidates are offering different visions to address affordability and the cost of living, which could shape the party's strategy heading into the crucial 2026 midterm elections.