Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI) has publicly endorsed Rep. Haley Stevens (D-MI) to succeed him in the U.S. Senate.
The endorsement comes as the Democratic Party seeks to maintain its hold on a critical swing state during a high-stakes election cycle. With Peters retiring, the open seat becomes a primary target for both parties to shift the balance of power in Washington.
Speaking at a campaign rally in Madison Heights, Michigan, Peters said that the state must remain in Democratic hands. He identified Stevens as the ideal candidate to secure the victory in the general election.
"But we have to win in November. We have to keep Michigan blue. Haley Stevens is the person to do that," Peters said.
The public backing arrives just before the Michigan primary election, which is scheduled for Aug. 4, 2026 [1]. This timing allows the retiring senator to lend his visibility and political capital to Stevens' campaign at a decisive moment for Democratic voters.
Peters said that the priority for the party is ensuring the seat does not flip during the November contest. By aligning himself with Stevens, Peters is signaling a transition of leadership within the state's Democratic infrastructure.
Stevens, currently serving in the House of Representatives, now carries the official support of the outgoing senator as she moves toward the general election. The endorsement is intended to consolidate party support, and mobilize the base in the final stretch of the primary cycle.
“"Haley Stevens is the person to do that."”
This endorsement serves as a strategic effort to prevent a fragmented Democratic base in Michigan. By providing a clear successor, Sen. Peters aims to minimize internal party friction and ensure that the Democratic nominee enters the general election with maximum institutional support in a state that is frequently a deciding factor in national electoral outcomes.
