In a significant development for Michigan's political landscape, Democratic U.S. Representative Hillary Scholten announced on March 25, 2025, that she will not pursue the open U.S. Senate seat set to be vacated by Senator Gary Peters at the end of his term in 2026. Instead, Scholten has decided to run for a third term in the House of Representatives, emphasizing her commitment to her constituents in West Michigan. "After a lot of thought and reflection, I've decided not to enter this race. ... At this particular time, people need me standing up for them, not running for the next thing," Scholten told The Detroit News.
Scholten’s decision leaves the door open for a competitive race as other potential candidates emerge for the Senate seat. Among the Democratic contenders are U.S. Representatives Haley Stevens of Birmingham and Kristen McDonald Rivet of Bay City, along with state Senator Mallory McMorrow of Royal Oak, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, and progressive leader Abdul El-Sayed, who currently heads Wayne County’s public health division. Notably, former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has also ruled himself out of the race.
On the Republican side, potential candidates include former U.S. Representative Mike Rogers from White Lake Township, U.S. Representative Bill Huizenga of Holland, state Senator Jonathan Lindsey of Coldwater, and former gubernatorial candidate Tudor Dixon. Given that the Michigan Senate race is crucial for both parties, the competition is expected to intensify as the election date approaches.
Hillary Scholten, a Democrat from Grand Rapids currently serving in her second term, won election in November with a solid margin of nearly 10 points against Republican challenger Paul Hudson. Reflecting on her decision, Scholten expressed her concern for the current political climate, stating, "We're at a crossroads in Michigan right now, and there's a lot of volatility in the Democratic Party, and I think that we need strong stability back here at home. We need somebody who's going to dig in deep, and make sure that we can hold this seat." She believes her role in the House allows her to provide the stability and advocacy that her constituents need at this time.
Scholten has made headlines recently regarding significant infrastructure developments, having received word that $16 million in funding for Grand Rapids' Gerald R. Ford International Airport, which was held up due to previous executive orders, has finally been allocated. This funding, which will be used to improve checked baggage screening capacity, further emphasizes her focus on local issues and support for her constituents. She noted, "Those are the types of things that I need to focus on right now, not running for a Senate election." Scholten also plans to hold two town hall meetings later this week in Grand Rapids and Grand Haven to connect directly with her constituents.
Amid Scholten's decision, Mallory McMorrow has emerged as a leading contender for the Senate seat. The state senator, who gained national attention for her passionate speeches against hate and misinformation, mentioned on March 24, 2025, that while she has not made any official announcement regarding her candidacy, she is seriously considering the run. "Nothing official to announce just yet, but I have been very seriously exploring running for the U.S. Senate, and there will be an announcement very soon," McMorrow stated on the podcast Stay Tuned With Preet, hosted by former U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara.
McMorrow is widely recognized for her viral response to incendiary accusations made by Republican state Senator Lana Theis, where she defended LGBTQ+ rights and condemned hateful political discourse. Her political profile surged after this incident, positioning her as a key player in the upcoming Senate race. With McMorrow officially investigating a run, she could potentially be the first Democrat to enter the race, setting her apart from the other candidates yet to declare.
The upcoming Michigan Senate race holds significant implications for both parties, especially considering the state’s shifting political dynamics following recent elections. In the 2020 presidential election, Joe Biden narrowly won the state, but in the 2024 election, Donald Trump flipped it back to the Republican side. As parties gear up for the 2026 midterms, winning Michigan is paramount, given its history as a battleground state. Democrats will be eager to hold onto this seat, while Republicans will aim to expand their majority in the Senate.
The political strategies and potential candidates’ abilities to connect with Michigan voters will play a crucial role in determining the outcome of this Senate race. As more candidates declare their intentions and the political climate continues to unfold, Michigan's Senate seat will likely become a focal point in the national political arena.
As the election approaches, both parties will need to mobilize their bases and strategize effectively to gain traction in a state that has proven to be both pivotal and unpredictable in recent years.
