2024’s Senate surprise

Sen. Debbie Stabenow’s (D-Mich.) surprise retirement announcement has exposed the polar realities each party is facing in Michigan, a perennial battleground where the MAGA movement was firmly repudiated in 2022.

Why it matters: Michigan has become ground zero for Democratic talent, boasting a deep bench of rising stars — mostly women — whom party insiders view as equally qualified to ascend to the Senate, House or even the governorship in 2026.

• Democratic operatives are eagerly discussing at least six state and federal incumbents they consider to be serious contenders in the race to replace Stabenow.
• Republicans, so far, have their eye on one top candidate they hope could flip the seat, which will be more competitive and expensive for Democrats now that the incumbent has bowed out.

Be smart: The 2024 Senate map is highly favorable to Republicans, and Democrats still have no one to chair their campaign committee after Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich.) decided not to serve again.

• But with the notable exception of former President Trump’s shocking win in 2016, Republicans have struggled to materialize their gains in Michigan.
• Democrats swept all statewide offices in 2022 after President Biden’s 2020 victory, and a Republican has not won a Senate seat in Michigan since 1994.

State of play: Though Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is beloved by Democrats, she said in a statement that she’s not running. But sources say her approval will be sought by all and could play a critical role in shaping the primary field.

• Reps. Elissa Slotkin and Haley Stevens are weighing runs, but Democratic strategists say Slotkin is the likely frontrunner. She beat her Republican opponent last year in one of the most competitive and expensive races in the country.
• Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson are both considered viable Senate candidates, but Nessel’s outspoken progressive views could make her a tough sell in a general election.
• Benson has earned national recognition for her role in protecting the outcome of the 2020 election in Michigan, for which Biden will award her the Presidential Citizens Medal in a Jan. 6 ceremony Friday.
• Although many Democratic sources say state Sen. Mallory McMorrow would be a strong candidate to replace Stabenow, others think the 36-year-old rising star could run for Rep. Stevens’ congressional seat if Stevens gets in the Senate race.
• Garlin Gilchrist, the state’s first Black lieutenant governor and a close Whitmer ally, is also part of the deep bench in Michigan and could join the primary — but Dems are already gaming out his chances of becoming governor in 2026 if he stays put.

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