Congresswoman Haley Stevens is vying for the U.S. Senate seat in Michigan in a highly contested field. In this episode of MichMash, WDET’s Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service’s Alethia Kasben sit down with the representative to see what makes her different from her opponents. 

In this episode:

• What sets Haley Stevens apart from the other candidates for Michigan’s U.S. Senate seat?
• What issues are currently affecting Michigan residents?

Correction: Congresswoman Haley Stevens is endorsed by the Mayor of Highland Park, not Hamtramck.

Overview

Stevens is often compared to other established Democrats like U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell or even Governor Gretchen Whitmer. These comparisons are sometimes used to present Stevens as out of touch with the new generation of politics. Stevens says the focus should be more on meeting the needs of Michigan residents.

“I was Michigan’s first millennial to the United States House of Representatives. I’m not an ageist. I think the goal is representing all of Michigan and getting results for Michiganders.” 

She also stated that leaders like Gov. Whitmer’s popularity alongside her own ability to get things done should be embodied.  

Stevens also addressed the comparison with her fellow Democrat opponent Mallory McMorrow, and how they seemingly appeal to the same voters.

“I think poll after poll shows I’m the only Democrat who can beat (Republican opponent) Mike Rogers,”she said. “We need a dogged advocate for Michigan. And I think some of the unique attributes that I bring to this race for the United States Senate is that I am Michigan’s workhorse.” 

The election for the open Michigan U.S. Senate seat is scheduled for Nov. 3, 2026.  

More from MichMash

In this episode

• The current state of the U.S. Senate Race in Michigan. 
• Reasons why state representative Joe Tate dropped out of the U.S. Senate Race. 
• Abdul El-Sayed makes his case for the open U.S. Senate seat. 

Subscribe to MichMash on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

In this episode of MichMash, WDET’s Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service’s Alethia Kasben are joined by the former director of Wayne County’s Department of Health, Human, and Veterans Services, Abdul El-Sayed. He discusses why he’s running for Michigan’s open U.S. Senate seat and what qualifies him for the role. 

Plus, now that State Representative Joe Tate has dropped out of the US Senate race, we explore how this affects the rest of the field. 

El-Sayed, who ran for governor in 2018, announced his run for Michigan’s open U.S. Senate seat this spring. El-Sayed spoke to the current state of politics and how he feels his party has not responded to the current administration’s actions properly.

“We’ve got a lot of talking heads in the party that people seem to respect because they did something back in the 90s who are telling us that we just need to roll over and play dead,” commented El-Sayed. “I’m so sorry, but democracy means too much to me, America means too much to me to be willing to roll over and play dead.” 

The other two major Democratic candidates are Mallory McMorrow, state senator, and Haley Stevens, U.S. representative. 

On the Republican side, U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers appears to be the sole candidate from his party running for the seat.

Kasben said the President seems to support Rogers’ uncontested run.

“Republican U.S. Senate leadership backed Mike Rogers out of the gate. And President Donald Trump has now endorsed him. And he essentially asked Huizenga not to run,” said Kasben. “So strategically, it appears the GOP has made the decision that avoiding a primary here gives them the best chance to win the seat.” 

The elections of the open US Senate seat will be held Nov. 3rd 2026.  

More from WDET:

• The Metro: Dr. Abdul El-Sayed enters US Senate race in Michigan
• MichMash: State Sen. Mallory McMorrow enters Michigan US Senate race
• MichMash: Preventing youth tobacco usage + more candidates eye Michigan US Senate Race