Mallory McMorrow Launches Bid for U.S. Senate in Michigan

DETROIT, Mich. — Michigan state Senator Mallory McMorrow officially launched her campaign for the U.S. Senate on Wednesday, seeking to succeed retiring Senator Gary Peters. Her announcement marks the beginning of what is expected to be a competitive race in the lead-up to the 2026 midterms.

McMorrow made her intentions clear in a direct-to-camera video, stating, “They want to make you feel powerless, but you are not powerless.” This statement reflects her commitment to empowering voters amid challenges faced by the Democratic Party.

As the first major candidate to enter the race, McMorrow emphasized her desire for a new generation of leadership in Washington, arguing that past approaches have failed to meet the needs of modern voters. “Our message is going to be that the status quo — for even our own party — is not working,” she explained in an interview.

Her announcement comes amid speculation about other potential candidates, including U.S. Representatives Kristen McDonald Rivet and Haley Stevens, as well as Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. On the Republican side, former Congressman Mike Rogers is considering a run.

McMorrow, a 38-year-old Democrat, gained national recognition for her speech during the 2022 Democratic National Convention, where she addressed Republican attacks on cultural issues. “We cannot let hateful people tell you otherwise to scapegoat and deflect from the fact that they are not doing anything to fix the real issues that impact people’s lives,” she said.

In her campaign, McMorrow is focused on economic policies that address everyday concerns, aiming to shift the conversation away from minimum wage jobs. “It’s about supporting our entrepreneurs and our innovators,” she stated. “We need a real partner in the Senate who understands how things work in the states.”

Highlighting her experience, McMorrow remarked, “I’m not from Washington,” asserting that her background in local governance positions her to effectively address the needs of Michigan residents. She aims to promote what she calls “The New American Dream,” contrasting it with the prior administration’s policies.

Amid criticisms of the Democratic leadership, McMorrow did not shy away from expressing her discontent with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, indicating a desire for new leadership within her party. She believes the Democratic Party has lost direction and needs to reconnect with voters on critical issues.

In her recent book, “Hate Won’t Win: Find Your Power and Leave This Place Better Than You Found It,” she reflects on her political journey and the challenges the party faces. McMorrow urges Democrats to communicate more effectively with voters about their values and objectives.

McMorrow’s platform also includes addressing pressing social issues, such as reproductive rights and LGBTQ+ equality. She remarked that inclusivity in language is essential but should not alienate voters who may not identify with progressive jargon.

In response to the ongoing debate about transgender participation in sports, she asserted that these decisions should be left to the respective governing bodies rather than politicians. “This is not a role where politicians should be involved,” she noted, emphasizing the importance of safe and fair practices in athletics.

Endorsing a pragmatic approach, McMorrow distinguishes herself from those who strictly align with the far-left ideologies, suggesting that her agenda aims to unify rather than divide. She aims to foster an appeal to a broad range of voters, appealing to their common concerns.

McMorrow’s announcement signals a significant moment for her political career and the state of Michigan as it prepares for a new chapter in its leadership.