In Michigan Senate race, Dems battle for bucks as Mike Rogers builds war chest

February 2, 2026

Michigan's 2026 US Senate race shows Democrats in a competitive three-way primary fundraising battle, with Haley Stevens narrowly leading the fourth quarter at $2. 1 million, followed closely by Mallory McMorrow and Abdul El-Sayed who each raised around $1. 75 million.

Who is affected

Democratic Senate candidates: Haley Stevens, Mallory McMorrow, and Abdul El-Sayed
Republican Senate candidate: Mike Rogers
Republican primary candidate: Bernadette Smith
Retiring US Senator Gary Peters
Republican US Rep. Tom Barrett (facing Democratic challengers)
Democratic Congressional candidates in mid-Michigan: Bridget Brink, Matt Maasdam, and William Lawrence
Republican US Rep. John James (running for governor instead of reelection)
Republican Congressional candidates in 10th District: Robert Lulgjuraj and Mike Bouchard
Democratic Congressional candidates in 10th District: Eric Chung, Tim Greimel, and Christina Hines
US Rep. Shri Thanedar and Democratic challenger state Rep. Donovan McKinney
Michigan voters in competitive districts
Out-of-state and in-state donors

What action is being taken

Democratic Senate candidates are actively fundraising, with Stevens, McMorrow, and El-Sayed raising between $1.74-$2.1 million in the final quarter of 2025
Mike Rogers is fundraising and building a cash advantage, having raised nearly $2 million in the quarter
Multiple Democrats are battling in a competitive primary in mid-Michigan to challenge Tom Barrett
Six Republicans and five Democrats are running in the 10th Congressional District race
Shri Thanedar is facing multiple challengers in the 13th Congressional District Democratic primary
Great Lakes Conservatives Fund super PAC is supporting Rogers

Why it matters

This Senate race is rated as one of only four "toss-ups" nationwide by the Cook Political Report, making it crucial for determining control of the US Senate. The Democratic primary remains highly competitive with polling showing the three leading candidates in a statistical tie and 37% of likely voters still undecided just six months before the August primary. The heavy reliance on out-of-state donations by leading candidates—particularly Stevens at 93%—raises questions about local versus national influence in Michigan politics. The outcome will determine who replaces retiring Senator Gary Peters and could significantly impact the balance of power in Washington.

What's next

The Democratic primary election will take place in August, approximately six months from the time of this reporting.

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com