Primary Election Overview: United States Senate

Jul 22, 2026

by Liz Gullett

As MLC’s Communications and Social Media Manager, Liz Gullett keeps clients informed and up-to-date on the goings on in Lansing and the Capitol.

Leading up to the August 4 primary, we are highlighting key races shaped by voter demographics in the district. Candidate websites and professional backgrounds are listed when available.

Commentary 

After serving in the U.S. Senate since 2015, Democratic Senator Gary Peters announced his retirement. This open seat is one of the most closely watched nationally, as it is a toss-up that both parties are working hard to win on their path to a majority. As of mid-July, tens of millions of dollars have been spent on this race, and that number will only continue to rise precipitously after the primary election.

Democratic Candidates:

    • Abdul El-Sayed – Doctor, works in public health, including roles at the City of Detroit Health Department and the Wayne County Department of Health, Human and Veterans Services. Mr. El-Sayed has secured the endorsements of many prominent national progressive Democrats, including Senator Bernie Sanders, Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Senator Elizabeth Warren.
    • Mallory McMorrow
      • She suspended her campaign, but because of the late decision, she will still appear on the ballot.
    • Haley Stevens – Congresswoman, served as Chief of Staff on President Obama’s Auto Rescue Task Force, worked in manufacturing research. Congresswoman Stevens has received the endorsement of former US Senator Debbie Stabenow and retiring Senator Gary Peters.

Republican Candidate:

    • Mike Rogers – Former Congressman and special agent in the FBI, Army Veteran, served in the Michigan Senate.

Michigan Legislative Consultants is a bipartisan lobbying firm based in Lansing, Michigan. Our team of lobbyists and procurement specialists provide a wide range of services for some of the most respected companies in America. For more on MLC, visit www.mlcmi.com or connect with us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

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