Rep. Haley Stevens Joins 2026 Michigan Senate Race/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Rep. Haley Stevens has launched her 2026 U.S. Senate campaign in Michigan. She criticized Trump’s tariffs for threatening Michigan’s auto industry. Stevens joins a competitive Democratic field for the open Senate seat.
Haley Stevens Enters Michigan Senate Race: Quick Looks
- Official Launch: Rep. Haley Stevens declares her candidacy for Michigan’s open U.S. Senate seat in 2026.
- Auto Industry Focus: Campaign video criticizes Trump’s tariffs for harming Michigan’s economy.
- Democratic Field Grows: Stevens joins Mallory McMorrow and Abdul El-Sayed in primary fight.
- Republican Challenger: Ex-Rep. Mike Rogers seeks a rematch after narrow 2024 loss.
- Trade Policy Critique: Stevens denounces Trump’s tariffs as erratic and harmful to job stability.
- Selective Tariff Support: Backs tariffs aimed at China but opposes Trump’s “chaos agenda.”
- Labor & Auto Roots: Served on Obama’s auto bailout task force, emphasizing manufacturing jobs.
- Electoral Strength: Stevens has repeatedly won Oakland County and is considered a top contender.
Rep. Haley Stevens Joins 2026 Michigan Senate Race
Deep Look
LANSING, Mich. — Democratic Rep. Haley Stevens officially entered the 2026 U.S. Senate race in Michigan on Tuesday, launching her campaign with a sharp rebuke of President Donald Trump’s tariff policies and a focus on safeguarding the state’s vital auto industry.
In a campaign video set against the backdrop of a lot filled with pickup trucks and SUVs, Stevens accused Trump of putting “tens of thousands of Michigan jobs at risk” with his volatile economic approach.
“We absolutely need to put an end to the chaos agenda,” Stevens told the Associated Press in an interview.
The four-term congresswoman becomes the fourth high-profile candidate in what’s shaping up to be one of the most competitive Senate races of the 2026 cycle, with control of the Senate up for grabs and Trump having reclaimed Michigan in the 2024 election.
A Crowded and Competitive Democratic Field
With Sen. Gary Peters opting not to seek a third term, Stevens now joins State Sen. Mallory McMorrow and former public health official Abdul El-Sayed in a growing Democratic primary. McMorrow gained national attention for her viral floor speeches, while El-Sayed is backed by Sen. Bernie Sanders and continues to appeal to the party’s progressive base.
On the Republican side, former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers is staging a comeback attempt after narrowly losing Michigan’s 2024 Senate race to Elissa Slotkin by just 19,000 votes.
Tariffs and Trade at the Center of Stevens’ Pitch
Stevens has long voiced concerns over the impact of tariffs on Michigan’s manufacturing-based economy. Her background includes time on the Obama administration’s auto bailout task force during the 2008 financial crisis — a role that informs her current economic platform.
Trump’s newly reactivated tariff strategy, partially paused in April, has stirred fears among Michigan’s business community, especially auto manufacturers. Stevens said the unpredictable policy shifts have created a “boiling point” among local companies.
“What I do not support are shoot-by-the-hip, erratic tariffs,” she said, contrasting her views with Trump’s approach. “We need rules of the road to help American businesses plan and grow.”
A Nuanced Stance on Trade
While opposing Trump’s sweeping import duties, Stevens clarified she’s not anti-tariff in principle. Like Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who recently called for tariffs to be used like a “scalpel,” Stevens said she backs targeted tariffs — particularly those aimed at China’s industrial dominance.
“Tariffs that are strategically designed to make America competitive with China are something I can support,” she said.
However, she emphasized that Trump’s approach lacks strategy and predictability, making it difficult for businesses to make informed investment decisions.
Strong Track Record in Oakland County
Stevens represents Oakland County, a crucial swing area in the battleground state. After flipping the district in 2018 from red to blue, she won narrowly in 2020, then by larger margins in 2022 and 2024 after redistricting made the district more favorable for Democrats.
Now, Stevens will need to leverage her local strength into a statewide campaign, navigating a primary where two other well-known Democrats are working to cast themselves as outsiders.
A Race to Watch
With Michigan’s importance on the 2026 Senate map — and Trump’s ongoing influence in the region — both parties are expected to invest heavily in the race. Democrats aim to defend vulnerable seats across the country, while Republicans seek to grow their current 53-47 majority.
Stevens’ campaign is expected to prioritize job security, trade fairness, and defense of reproductive rights, issues that resonate strongly with suburban and working-class voters alike.
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