Michigan Democratic Senate Primary Heats Up as Candidates Vie for Open Seat

Sen. Gary Peters’ retirement makes Michigan’s Senate seat contest Aug. 4, 2026. Rep. Haley Stevens (centrist), State Sen. Mallory McMorrow (moderate) and Dr. Abdul El-Sayed (progressive) vie for the nomination. Voting runs July 25–Aug. 2; winner will meet Rep. Mike Rogers in November, a race that could decide Senate control.

Detroit News

Stevens, Obama task-force staffer, is backed by Sen. Debbie Stabenow, Chuck Schumer and Committee. McMorrow is supported by Elizabeth Warren and senators. El-Sayed, a Wayne County health director, is endorsed by Sen. Bernie Sanders and groups. Stabenow, who declined, later said stakes are too high.

The Hill

Emerson surveys gave El-Sayed and McMorrow 24 % each, Stevens 13 % with 36 % undecided; poll showed Stevens at 17 % and McMorrow at 24 %. Glengariff: Stevens 47 % vs. Rogers 42 %, McMorrow 46 % vs. Rogers 43 % and El-Sayed tied at 43 %.

Newsweek

Polls differ on which Democrat leads: May Emerson survey shows Stevens trailing, while Glengariff poll places her ahead of Rogers. Undecided voters remain 36-38 %, and no data spending or turnout is available.

Newsweek

Stabenow praised Stevens as “right person at the right time for Michigan,” and Stevens thanked her as a “champion for Michigan,” pledging to protect manufacturing and environment. Sanders highlighted El-Sayed’s progressive agenda; Warren emphasized McMorrow’s unifying potential. Schumer’s campaign called Stevens electable.

The HillDetroit NewsNewsweekNew York Times

Activists booed Stevens over Israel stance; El-Sayed’s critics warn platform may alienate moderates. McMorrow’s camp warned “Republicans have plenty on Abdul.” Stabenow cautioned endorsers have “their own agendas,” urging dialogue.

Newsweek

• “It has become a very personal race,” — Debbie Dingell, U.S. Representative, Michigan

New York Times

• “The stakes have never been higher, and Haley Stevens is the right person at the right time for Michigan,” — Debbie Stabenow, former U.S. Senator, Michigan

The Hill

• “Mike Rogers is a retired pharma lobbyist who voted to increase drug prices and exacerbated the opioid epidemic. There is no one better to take him on than Abdul, a public health expert who worked to make lifesaving Narcan more accessible and erased medical debt for Michiganders.” — Roxie Appiah, spokesperson for Abdul El-Sayed

Newsweek

• “the only candidate in this race who consistently beats Mike Rogers in poll after poll.” — Joetta Appiah, spokesperson for Haley Stevens

Newsweek

Early voting begins July 25, with primary Aug. 4. Democratic nominee will face Rep. Mike Rogers in November, a Senate contest. Events are planned through September, and Democratic National Committee stands ready to allocate resources once the nominee is known.

New York Times