Progressive Candidate Shakes Up Michigan’s Political Landscape in Senate Race

Michigan State Senator Mallory McMorrow has launched a campaign for the U.S. Senate, positioning herself as a progressive insurgent against established Democratic leadership while criticizing her own party’s inadequate response to Trump’s policies.

Quick Takes

McMorrow is running for retiring Democratic Senator Gary Peters’ seat in 2026, framing herself as an outsider bringing new leadership to Washington
She has openly criticized Democratic leadership, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, for lacking a plan during Trump’s administration
As Senate Majority Whip in Michigan since 2018, McMorrow champions progressive causes including gun safety laws and abortion rights
The 2026 Senate race will be pivotal as Republicans defend 22 of 35 seats while Democrats face three major retirements
Former Republican Rep. Mike Rogers is rumored to be considering a run for the same seat

McMorrow Challenges Democratic Establishment

Michigan State Senator Mallory McMorrow announced her candidacy for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by retiring Democratic Senator Gary Peters. McMorrow, who has served as a state legislator since 2018 and currently holds the position of Senate Majority Whip, is positioning herself as an outsider ready to challenge the Democratic establishment. Her announcement signals potential turbulence within Democratic ranks as the party prepares for the critical 2026 election cycle, when control of the Senate will once again be at stake following Republican gains in recent elections.

McMorrow’s campaign announcement makes clear her frustration with current Democratic leadership in Washington. Her candidacy represents a potential generational shift in Michigan’s representation, as she aims to replace Peters, who has been a fixture in Michigan politics for decades. The state senator’s district includes parts of Detroit and several suburban communities including Royal Oak, Beverly Hills, Berkley, Birmingham, and Oak Park – giving her a base in both urban and suburban areas critical to statewide Democratic success.

Critical of Democratic Leadership

McMorrow hasn’t minced words when discussing her party’s current leadership. In her campaign rollout, she directly criticized national Democrats for what she characterized as inadequate responses to Trump’s administration. “I have been so frustrated seeing really a lack of a plan and a lack of a response coming from our current party leadership,” McMorrow stated, taking aim at figures like Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and implying that established Democrats haven’t effectively countered Republican policies or presented clear alternatives to voters.

“We need new leaders. Because the same people in DC who got us into this mess are not going to be the ones to get us out of it” – Mallory McMorrow

Her criticisms extend to specific policy areas as well. McMorrow has targeted Trump’s tariff policies, arguing they hurt Michigan workers and consumers. She has also criticized Elon Musk’s cost-cutting efforts in federal programs, positioning herself as a defender of government services against private sector influence. The stance puts her at odds with the more moderate wing of the Democratic Party that has sometimes accommodated business interests while attempting to maintain progressive credentials.

Legislative Record and Background

McMorrow’s legislative career in Michigan has included efforts on progressive priorities that may resonate with the Democratic base. She has worked on passing gun safety laws, raising wages, removing Michigan’s abortion ban, ending the “tampon tax,” and supporting businesses recovering from pandemic shutdowns. Her industrial design background from the University of Notre Dame provides her with credentials outside the typical legal or political science path taken by many candidates, potentially reinforcing her outsider image.

“In the U.S. Senate, she’ll cut through the performative nonsense, stand up to (President) Trump, and work every day to protect our rights and freedoms and give hardworking Michiganders what they need to succeed” – campaign announcement

Many political observers first noticed McMorrow following her viral 2022 floor speech in the Michigan Senate addressing political attacks from a Republican colleague. That speech catapulted her to national attention and helped establish her reputation as an articulate defender of progressive values. She further built her national profile at the Democratic National Convention where she appeared with a large copy of “Project 2025,” using it as a prop to warn against conservative policy proposals.

The 2026 Senate Landscape

McMorrow’s entrance into the race comes amid a significant reshaping of the Senate landscape for 2026. Republicans will be defending 22 of the 35 Senate seats up for election that year, giving Democrats potential pickup opportunities despite their current minority status. However, Democrats face challenges of their own with three significant retirements, including Peters in Michigan, creating open-seat contests that could be more competitive than if incumbents were running for re-election.

The field in Michigan may grow more crowded in the coming months. While prominent Democrats like Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Governor Gretchen Whitmer have ruled out running for the seat, other Democratic candidates may still emerge. On the Republican side, former Representative Mike Rogers is rumored to be considering a campaign, potentially setting up a competitive general election in what has been a crucial battleground state in recent presidential and midterm cycles.