Three Michigan Democrats Vie for Senate Seat on Affordability Platform

Voters in the state say cost of living is a top concern, and the candidates are making different pitches to address it.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Three Democratic candidates - U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens, state Sen. Mallory McMorrow, and physician Abdul El-Sayed - are running in the Michigan Senate primary, with affordability and the cost of living emerging as key issues. The candidates are taking different approaches, from Stevens highlighting the impact of Trump's tariffs on manufacturing to McMorrow proposing to expand a state program helping new mothers, to El-Sayed blaming corporate greed. The race is seen as crucial for Democrats' chances of retaining control of the Senate in the November midterm elections.

Why it matters

Michigan was a key battleground state in the 2024 presidential election, with economic discontent a major factor in Trump's victory. Now Democrats are trying to harness those same concerns around the cost of living as they seek to win back the Senate seat being vacated by the retiring Sen. Gary Peters. The outcome of this primary could have significant implications for the party's fortunes in the midterms.

The details

The three Democratic candidates are taking different approaches to addressing affordability and the cost of living. Rep. Haley Stevens is campaigning against Trump's tariff strategy, saying it has hurt Michigan's manufacturing sector and driven up prices. State Sen. Mallory McMorrow wants to expand a state program providing cash grants to new mothers. And physician Abdul El-Sayed is blaming corporate greed and the influence of money in politics for high costs, particularly in healthcare.

  • The Michigan Senate primary election is scheduled for August 2026.
  • The November 2026 midterm elections will determine control of Congress.

The players

Haley Stevens

U.S. Representative from Michigan's 11th congressional district, which includes part of the Detroit suburbs.

Mallory McMorrow

State Senator in the Michigan legislature and member of the Democratic leadership.

Abdul El-Sayed

Physician and former county health official who previously ran for Michigan governor in 2018.

Mike Rogers

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

Elissa Slotkin

Democratic U.S. Senator from Michigan who won the seat in 2024 after previously serving in the House of Representatives.

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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 (CBS News)

“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, State Senator (CBS News)

“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 (CBS News)

What’s next

The Michigan Senate primary election will be held in August 2026, with the winner advancing to the November general election.

The takeaway

The Michigan Senate race is shaping up to be a crucial battleground for Democrats as they seek to retain control of the chamber in the 2026 midterm elections. The candidates' differing approaches to addressing affordability and the cost of living could have significant implications for the party's strategy and messaging heading into the general election.