LANSING, Mich. — A Detroit politician is stepping into the race for Michigan’s Senate seat, intensifying a Democratic scramble for this pivotal position in the upcoming 2026 midterm elections. This election is being closely watched as Democrats aim to reclaim a Senate majority.
State Representative Joe Tate launched his Senate campaign on Sunday, positioning himself among three other Democratic contenders eyeing the seat soon to be vacated by retiring U.S. Senator Gary Peters. In a recent discussion, Tate shared his aspirations for the campaign, drawing inspiration from his grandparents who migrated to Detroit from Alabama during the Great Migration.
“I’m running for the U.S. Senate because I want to carry on the promise that brought my grandparents to Michigan,” Tate stated.
A former Marine and NFL player, Tate faces the challenge of persuading voters to overlook some critical setbacks experienced by the state party during his leadership. His tenure saw him make history as the first Black speaker of the Michigan House of Representatives in 2022, a period marked by significant Democratic successes.
That year, Democrats managed to secure comprehensive control of both legislative chambers alongside the governor’s office, driving ahead with notable legislation on gun control, climate action, reproductive rights, and labor issues, including the repeal of the state’s “right to work” law.
However, their initial success waned as they headed into the 2024 elections, losing momentum after Republicans regained control of the state House in November. Following the election, Tate decided against pursuing another leadership role within the House Democrats.
The final days of the legislative session were marred by internal discord among Democrats, prompting Tate to prematurely end the session. This abrupt decision effectively derailed numerous bills, including those focused on economic development, road funding, ghost guns, and reproductive health data.
Following the Republican takeover in January, the Legislature has been at a standstill on most significant issues. Both parties have expressed dissatisfaction with Tate’s handling of the challenging final days when Democrats still held influence. Nine bills from the 2024 session, approved by both chambers, have yet to land on Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s desk. The current Republican House Speaker has indicated that it was Tate’s responsibility to forward these bills.
“It’s unfortunate that some chose to resign from their duties before the job was done,” Tate remarked, alluding to one Democratic representative and the entire Republican caucus who boycotted the session’s end to deliberately stall proceedings.
Despite the tumult, Tate expressed pride in Democratic accomplishments during their majority tenure, highlighting legislation like universal background checks for firearm purchases and school meal programs. “I see children with full bellies in schools because of our work,” he affirmed.
The impending vacancy of Peters’ Senate seat has sparked interest from several Democratic figures. Besides Tate, notable candidates include U.S. Representative Haley Stevens, state Senator Mallory McMorrow, and former gubernatorial hopeful and public health official Abdul El-Sayed.
On the Republican side, former U.S. Representative Mike Rogers is bidding again for a Senate seat, following his narrow defeat to Democrat Elissa Slotkin in Michigan’s 2024 U.S. Senate contest, falling short by just 19,000 votes.