Haley Stevens eyes open Michigan Senate seat

Democratic Rep. Haley Stevens is taking steps toward a Michigan Senate bid.

The four-term centrist congresswoman is seriously considering a run to succeed retiring Sen. Gary Peters and is inching closer to a decision, according to four people familiar with her plans who were granted anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss them.

She’s brought on additional staff that could be part of a future campaign team, though she has not made a final determination, per people familiar with her thinking. But she would be a strong contender and prodigious fundraiser. First elected in 2018, she flipped a GOP-held battleground district. When redistricting later placed her in a member-on-member contest, she easily beat fellow Democratic Rep. Andy Levin, a member of a powerful Michigan political family.

However, there are other formidable Democratic candidates considering a run.

Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has also been weighing a bid. His fundraising prowess could help him clear the primary field, though Democrats privately acknowledge his recent move to Michigan and liberal positions he staked out during the 2020 presidential primary could be liabilities in a general election.

Additionally, state Sen. Mallory McMorrow has told Michigan Democrats she intends to run.

Republicans see the Trump-won state as a top pickup opportunity after former GOP Rep. Mike Rogers narrowly lost to Democrat Elissa Slotkin last fall. Rogers is also weighing a run this time.

In Stevens’ 2022 race against Levin, AIPAC weighed in heavily on her behalf. This cycle, Stevens is also chairing the political arm of the centrist New Democrat Coalition.