U.S. Representative Haley Stevens has announced her candidacy for Michigan’s open U.S. Senate seat, emphasizing the economic challenges posed by President Donald Trump’s tariff policies. In a campaign video, Stevens highlights the impact of these policies on the state’s vital auto industry, arguing that Trump’s unpredictable tariffs threaten tens of thousands of jobs in Michigan.
Stevens, a Democrat, joins a growing field of prominent candidates in what is shaping up to be a closely watched Senate race, crucial for the political balance in a state that Trump won in November. Her entry into the race follows Democratic Senator Gary Peters’ decision not to seek reelection. In the Democratic primary, Stevens will compete against State Senator Mallory McMorrow and former public health official Abdul El-Sayed. Meanwhile, on the Republican side, former U.S. Representative Mike Rogers is attempting a comeback after narrowly losing to Democrat Elissa Slotkin in the 2024 Senate race.
Stevens aims to leverage her congressional experience, contrasting it with her Democratic rivals who position themselves as outsiders. McMorrow has gained national attention for her viral moments, and El-Sayed has secured the endorsement of Senator Bernie Sanders. Before entering Congress, Stevens served on the U.S. Treasury’s auto task force during the 2008 financial crisis when President Barack Obama’s administration intervened to save General Motors and Chrysler.
Stevens criticizes Trump’s import tariffs, arguing they create economic uncertainty in Michigan, especially affecting the auto industry. She contends that the unpredictable nature of these tariffs leaves companies unable to plan effectively. While Stevens opposes Trump’s approach, she clarifies that she is not against tariffs per se, supporting the strategic use of tariffs to enhance America’s competitiveness against China. Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer has similarly advocated for a more precise application of tariffs, while the president of the nation’s leading auto workers union has endorsed tariffs that aim to boost domestic manufacturing jobs.
Stevens, a member of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, supports tariffs that are strategically designed but criticizes Trump’s haphazard approach. She argues for clear guidelines and strategies to ensure success in the global market.
In her political career, Stevens has successfully defended her congressional seat in Oakland County, an important voting area in Michigan. After initially flipping a reliably Republican district in 2018, she narrowly won reelection in 2020 and comfortably secured victories in 2022 and 2024 after redistricting favored Democrats.