Michigan State Senator Mallory McMorrow has entered the race for a U.S. Senate seat with strong anti-Trump rhetoric and progressive policy positions, setting up what could be a contentious battle for Democrat Gary Peters’ soon-to-be-vacant seat.
Key Insights
- McMorrow is positioning herself as an outsider candidate challenging the Democratic establishment while promoting progressive policies on gun control and abortion.
- Her campaign announcement explicitly criticized former President Trump’s policies and Democratic leadership’s response to his administration.
- McMorrow gained national attention in 2022 for a viral floor speech responding to political attacks, which elevated her profile beyond Michigan.
- She faces potential competition in what’s expected to be a competitive primary race, as Democrats look to regain ground in the 2026 elections.
McMorrow Launches Campaign as Anti-Establishment Candidate
Michigan State Senator Mallory McMorrow announced her bid for the U.S. Senate seat that will be vacated by retiring Democrat Gary Peters at the end of his term. McMorrow, who has served as a state legislator since 2018 and currently holds the position of Senate Majority Whip, is framing herself as an outsider candidate seeking to bring fresh leadership to Washington. Her announcement emphasized the need for new voices in Congress rather than relying on current Democratic leadership to address the nation’s challenges.
“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,” McMorrow stated in her campaign launch, directly questioning her party’s establishment credentials. The state senator has been particularly critical of what she describes as Democratic leadership’s insufficient response during Trump’s presidency and has expressed frustration with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and other party leaders.
Policy Priorities Focus on Progressive Agenda
McMorrow’s legislative record in Michigan includes advancing progressive policies such as passing gun safety laws, removing a state abortion ban, ending what she calls the “tampon tax,” and supporting businesses after the pandemic. Her campaign announcement highlighted these achievements while signaling she would continue pursuing similar priorities at the federal level. The state senator currently represents a district that includes parts of Detroit, Royal Oak, Beverly Hills, and all of Berkley, Birmingham, and Oak Park.
McMorrow’s campaign materials specifically criticized Trump’s tariff policies and referenced Elon Musk’s cost-cutting efforts, positioning herself in direct opposition to the former president’s economic approach. She gained additional national attention at the Democratic National Convention when she appeared with a large copy of “Project 2025,” using it to rally opposition to conservative policy proposals.
Rise to National Prominence
Most Americans outside Michigan first heard of McMorrow in 2022 when she delivered an impassioned floor speech in Lansing responding to political attacks from conservative colleagues. The viral speech catapulted her into the national spotlight and has become a cornerstone of her political identity. McMorrow has leveraged this moment to build a national profile that now forms the foundation of her Senate campaign.
Prior to her political career, McMorrow earned a bachelor’s degree in industrial design from the University of Notre Dame and worked in product design, media, and advertising. She resides in Royal Oak with her husband and daughter, emphasizing her Michigan roots in campaign messaging. Her background outside traditional politics reinforces her positioning as a non-traditional candidate bringing fresh perspectives to Washington.
Competitive Path to the Senate
The race for Michigan’s Senate seat is expected to be highly competitive. While prominent Democrats like Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Governor Gretchen Whitmer have ruled out running, McMorrow will likely still face challengers in the Democratic primary. On the Republican side, former Representative Mike Rogers is rumored to be considering a run, setting up a potential battleground contest in a state that has trended purple in recent elections.
The 2026 midterm elections will feature Republicans defending 22 of 35 Senate seats nationwide, while Democrats have three major incumbents not seeking reelection, including Peters. Michigan represents a critical opportunity for Democrats as they attempt to regain ground after Republicans secured a Senate majority in the previous election cycle. McMorrow’s candidacy comes as both parties are developing their strategies for what promises to be a consequential election year.
Sources:
- Mallory McMorrow announces bid for U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Peters
- Mallory McMorrow launches Michigan Senate primary bid by slamming Democrats for ‘lacking the urgency of this moment’
