Primary Election Date: August 4, 2026
General Election Date: November 3, 2026
Overview
Michigan will be one of the most competitive Democratic Senate primaries of the 2026 cycle following Senator Gary Peters’ decision to retire and not run for re-election. As a battleground state that has flip-flopped in recent federal elections, Michigan’s Senate seat is a top priority for the Democrats. In order to win, Democratic nominee will need to garner support from the party’s urban voter base, perform well in suburban areas, and furthermore perform well with working-class voters all across the state.
Democratic Senate Race Candidates
Haley Stevens
Current Position: U.S. Representative, Michigan’s 11th Congressional District
Background: Elected to Congress in 2018, Stevens has focused on manufacturing policy, automotive industry investments, and economic policy in general.
Campaign Message: Emphasizing job growth, supply chain resiliency, and middle-class affordability, Stevens is positioning herself as a pragmatic Democrat with appeal to suburban and business-oriented voters.
Why she might win: Strong fundraising network, experience in congress, appeal to metropolitan and suburban population.
Mallory McMorrow
Current Position: Michigan State Senator 8th District
Background: Elected to the Michigan Senate in 2018, McMorrow gained widespread attention for her speeches defending LGBTQ rights.
Campaign Message: Her campaign is focusing on reproductive rights, and the state of democratic institutions. McMorrow appeals to younger and more progressive primary voters.
Why she might win: Strong grassroots support, national media renown, activist base, youthful appeal.
Abdul El-Sayed
Background: Currently a physician, is a former Wayne County Health Director. Ran for governor in 2018.
Campaign Message: Platform includes healthcare reform, corporate regulation, and economic justice. El-Sayed is positioning himself as the most progressive (leftmost) candidate in the field.
Why he Might Win: Established progressive voter base, previous experience running statewide, strong appeal to progressives.
Democratic House Race Candidates
Primary Election Date: August 4, 2026
General Election Date: November 3, 2026
Hillary Scholten
Race: Michigan’s 3rd Congressional District Democratic Primary Current Position: U.S. Representative, Michigan’s 3rd Congressional District
Background: Elected in 2022 after flipping a Republican seat, Scholten previously worked as an immigration attorney and was a Department of Justice official.
Campaign Message: Emphasizes reproductive rights, economic stability, and pragmatic governance. Scholten has positioned herself as a center-left Democrat focused on protecting democratic institutions and expanding opportunity.
Why she might win: Incumbency advantage, demonstrated ability to win in a competitive district, and strong support among suburban voters in the Grand Rapids area.
Debbie Dingell
Race: Michigan’s 6th Congressional District Democratic Primary
Current Position: U.S. Representative Michigan’s 6th Congressional District
Background: Has been in Congress since 2015, Dingell has deep roots in Michigan politics and strong ties to organized labor and the automotive industry. She is a longtime advocate of both healthcare and manufacturing issues.
Campaign Message: Running on protecting Social Security and Medicare, union support, and strengthening Michigan’s manufacturing, Dingell presents herself as an experienced and reliable advocate for working families.
Why she might win: Incumbency, strong union backing, name recognition, and institutional support within the Democratic Party.
Dan Kildee
Race: Michigan’s 8th Congressional District Democratic Primary
Current Position: U.S. Representative Michigan’s 8th Congressional District
Background: Elected in 2012, Kildee has focused on economic revival in Flint, infrastructure investment, and public health issues (e.g post Flint water crisis).
Campaign Message: Centered on economic revitalization, infrastructure funding, and opening access to healthcare, Kildee campaigns as a pragmatic candidate focused on visible community improvement.
Why he might win: Record of delivering federal resources to his district, local ties, and limited organized opposition.
Haley Stevens
Race: Michigan’s 11th Congressional District Democratic Primary
Current Position: U.S. Representative Michigan’s 11th Congressional District
Background: Elected in 2018, Stevens has built a platform around manufacturing, automotive industry investment, and economic competitiveness. She previously served in roles connected to federal economic recovery efforts.
Campaign Message: Framing her work around innovation, job growth, and strengthening domestic manufacturing, Stevens appeals to suburban professionals and labor-oriented Democrats alike.
Why she might win: Strong fundraising network, policy focus aligned with Michigan’s industrial economy, and solid suburban and urban base.
Rashida Tlaib
Race: Michigan’s 12th Congressional District Democratic Primary
Current Position: U.S. Representative Michigan’s 12th Congressional District
Background: First elected to Congress in 2018, Tlaib is a member of the progressive “Squad” and previously served in the Michigan Legislature. She has been a prominent voice on economic justice, civil rights, and foreign policy.
Campaign Message: Centered on economic equity, environmental justice, housing access, and human rights advocacy, Tlaib maintains a strong progressive platform.
Why she might win: Deep grassroots network in Detroit, strong small-dollar fundraising, and a loyal progressive voter base.
Shri Thanedar
Race: Michigan’s 13th Congressional District Democratic Primary
Current Position: U.S. Representative Michigan’s 13th Congressional District
Background: Elected in 2022, Thanedar is a businessman and former state legislator who built his campaign on outsider credentials and personal immigrant success story.
Campaign Message: Focused on economic opportunity, public safety, and expanding access to jobs and education, Thanedar emphasizes pragmatic problem-solving.
Why he might win: Incumbency, personal financial resources, and name recognition across Wayne County.
Donavan McKinney
Race: Michigan’s 13th Congressional District Democratic Primary
Current Position: Michigan State Representative
Background: A state legislator with strong ties to local Democratic networks in Wayne County, McKinney has positioned himself as a next-generation leader within Detroit-area politics.
Campaign Message: Emphasizing economic equity, community investment, and responsive district-level representation, McKinney is presenting himself as a more locally rooted alternative.
Why he might win: Appeal to voters seeking generational change, local credibility, and consolidation of progressive support in a multi-candidate field.
Shelby Campbell
Race: Michigan’s 13th Congressional District Democratic Primary
Background: Former assembly line worker and community advocate
Campaign Message: Centered on working-class representation, labor rights, and economic fairness, Campbell is running as a grassroots-oriented candidate.
Why she might win: Potential to mobilize labor-aligned and anti-establishment voters if dissatisfaction with the incumbent consolidates.