LANSING, Mich. — State Senator Mallory McMorrow from Michigan is gearing up to join the Democratic primary race for an open U.S. Senate seat, as confirmed by several sources close to her plans on Monday.
McMorrow, who has served in the state Legislature since her election in 2018, gained significant visibility following her compelling speech in 2022 during a Michigan Senate session, where she effectively countered Republican criticisms. With Senator Gary Peters revealing his decision to retire last week, McMorrow quickly emerged as a strong candidate for the 2026 Senate race.
Sources who have conversed with McMorrow indicated her clear intention to participate in the Democratic primary for the Senate seat. These individuals wished to remain anonymous to maintain confidentiality regarding their discussions.
A representative for McMorrow stated that she is “taking a very close look at how she can have the greatest impact for Michiganders” in a prepared statement.
If she officially enters the race, McMorrow would be the first Democrat to do so in pursuit of Peters’ seat, which is expected to attract significant attention next year. Holding this Senate seat is crucial for Democrats, while Republicans view it as a chance to bolster their 53-47 majority in a state that previously backed Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election.
One of the most notable potential candidates is former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who relocated to Michigan in 2022. Although he has ruled out a bid for governor, Buttigieg is concentrating on a Senate run, as shared by a person familiar with his aspirations. McMorrow’s candidacy could introduce additional challenges for Buttigieg, as he would need to vie for position with another notable candidate who has deeper roots in Michigan.
The announcement of Peters’ retirement significantly shifted the political landscape in Michigan, leading numerous candidates, including McMorrow, to contemplate a run for either the governorship or the Senate. Meanwhile, second-term Governor Gretchen Whitmer is term-limited and unable to pursue re-election.
On the Republican front, former U.S. Representative Mike Rogers, who narrowly lost to Democrat Elissa Slotkin in the Senate race earlier in 2024, is expected to announce a new campaign shortly.
Since her impactful speech in 2022, where she took a stand against a Republican lawmaker who accused her of “grooming” children due to her support for LGBTQ+ rights, McMorrow has attracted a wide following. “I am a straight, white, Christian, married, suburban mom” advocating for “every kid to feel seen, heard, and supported—not marginalized and targeted for being different,” she remarked during that memorable address.
In another notable incident in 2024, McMorrow made headlines when she brought a large copy of Project 2025 to the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. This document, produced by the Heritage Foundation, serves as a guide for the next Republican administration, proposing extensive enhancements to presidential power and potentially displacing up to 50,000 government employees for supporters of the presidency.
