Michigan voters are gearing up to pick the Republican and Democratic contenders for the state’s open U.S. Senate seat, along with multiple competitive U.S. House races. Congressman Elissa Slotkin has gathered support from many Democrats for the Senate race, while former Congressman Mike Rogers has the backing of Republicans after an endorsement from Donald Trump. The candidates aim to succeed longtime Democratic Senator Debbie Stabenow, facing underdog challengers in the primary on Tuesday.
In the Senate race, Slotkin competes against actor Hill Harper, while Rogers is up against former Congressman Justin Amash and physician Sherry O’Donnell. Despite businessman Sandy Pensler dropping out and endorsing Rogers, his name will still be on the ballot. Michigan is a crucial swing state, heightening the significance of these races, with party control at various levels hanging in the balance.
The Senate seat in Michigan is pivotal for determining control of the upper chamber. Candidates have a brief window after the primary to pivot towards appealing to a broader voter base for the general election on Nov. 5. National groups have reserved significant sums for advertisements post-primary. Slotkin and Rogers have been focusing on the general election and have avoided debates and large campaign events.
Additionally, U.S. House seats up for primaries in Michigan hold weight in the power balance of the lower chamber. Slotkin’s move to the Senate race has left her Congressional District seat open, creating a battleground for Curtis Hertel Jr. and Tom Barrett in November. Several contenders are eyeing the 8th Congressional District due to Rep. Dan Kildee’s retirement, with endorsements and tough races on both the Democratic and Republican fronts.
Incumbents in battleground seats are watching primary outcomes closely. Repercussions of the elections extend to U.S. Rep. Hillary Scholten in Grand Rapids, Republicans vying for Rep. John James’ district, and a Democratic faceoff in Detroit’s downtown district. The results will impact control of the state House of Representatives in November, with Democrats aiming to maintain their majorities.
The primary elections in Michigan hold high stakes, with control of key positions at play. Candidates are preparing for tough battles post-primary as the state becomes a focal point in the national political landscape.
