Michigan Democrats test approaches to affordability in Senate primary

Three Democrats — Rep. Haley Stevens, state Sen. Mallory McMorrow and physician Abdul El‑Sayed — are presenting different proposals on affordability as they campaign in Michigan's U.S. Senate primary, and the seat is open after Sen. Gary Peters retired.

Three Democrats are competing in Michigan's U.S. Senate primary this year. Each candidate is emphasizing a different response to rising costs. The contest follows economic concerns highlighted after the 2024 election. The outcome matters because the seat is open after Sen. Gary Peters retired. What is known: - Three Democrats — Haley Stevens, Mallory McMorrow and Abdul El‑Sayed — are competing in the August primary. - The seat is open after the retirement of Democratic Sen. Gary Peters, and control of the seat is connected to the balance of the U.S. Senate. - Haley Stevens is focusing on manufacturing, organized labor relationships and criticism of tariffs. - Abdul El‑Sayed is emphasizing health care costs and a version of Medicare for all that would allow supplemental coverage; Mallory McMorrow highlights state-level policy programs and supports for mothers. Summary: The primary will determine which Democrat advances to the general election and could affect control of the Senate. Candidates are framing affordability through different lenses: manufacturing and labor, state program expansion and health care reform. The next scheduled step is the August Democratic primary.