Democratic Rep. Elissa Slotkin Announces Michigan Senate Bid

On Monday, Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-Michigan) announced her candidacy for Michigan’s soon-to-be-vacant U.S. Senate seat. She is aiming to replace current Sen Debbie Stabenow (D-Michigan).

Many prominent Michigan politicians have publicly decided not to pursue the seat, potentially clearing the way for Slotkin.

Democratic Lt. Gov Garlin Gilchrist was predicted to run but opted out on Sunday. He cited his love for local politics in Michigan for his decision.

Serving our state in Washington, DC would be a great opportunity, but instead I will keep standing tall for Michigan, right here at home, as Lieutenant Governor. The Governor & I have more work to do. I look forward to working with our next US Senator to get it done.

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— Garlin Gilchrist (@garlin) February 26, 2023

Rep. John James (R-Michigan), like Gilchrist, has also decided to pass on Michigan’s open Senate seat. He has instead decided to run for re-election to Congress in his competitive district. James lost Senate races in Michigan in 2018 and 2020.

State Sen. Mallory McMorrow (D), who was also expected to run for the seat, announced on Friday that she wants to remain in the state legislature.

In Michigan, we’ll demonstrate what’s possible when we elect Democrats. We’ll show what state legislatures can do, and create a state where everyone is welcome, protected, and able to thrive.

That’s why I’m exactly where I need to be, and why I won’t run for US Senate in 2024.

— Mallory McMorrow (@MalloryMcMorrow) February 24, 2023

Mallory is best known for defending herself in a fiery state senate speech against accusations of grooming children and convincing them that they are responsible for slavery.

Senator Lana Theis accused me by name of grooming and sexualizing children in an attempt to marginalize me for standing up against her marginalizing the LGBTQ community…in a fundraising email, for herself.

Hate wins when people like me stand by and let it happen. I won't. pic.twitter.com/jL5GU42bTv

— Mallory McMorrow (@MalloryMcMorrow) April 19, 2022

Other potential challengers who have yet to publicly decide whether they are running or not, are Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, former Rep. Peter Meijer (R-Michigan) and actor Hill Harper from The Good Doctor. 

Slotkin, a former CIA analyst who served three tours in Iraq, cites being in New York City during the September 11 terrorist attacks as sparking her interest in national Security. She produced documents on Iraq for the National Security Council under former President George W. Bush and worked for the State Department and Department of Defense during the Obama administration.

In 2018, she was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in Michigan’s eighth district. Slotkin is on the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on Homeland Security and the Committee on Veterans Affairs.

She was endorsed by former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyoming) in November before the 2022 midterms and has been described as a moderate Democrat.