Dem
51
GOP
49
The Michigan Democratic Party and the DSCC have anointed Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) as their Senate candidate to fill the seat being vacated by Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI). Even though she is the overwhelming favorite as a moderate in a swing state, and is an excellent fundraiser with the entire establishment behind her, she is drawing some primary competition. The latest one is actor Hill Harper, who is expected to announce in a few days. He is Black and will run to Slotkin's left. Michigan is not a lefty state and Hill's hill will be extremely steep to climb. If you spend 3 minutes watching Slotkin's kickoff ad, you'll see why Harper has a problem on his hands. It is very emotional and very well done:
In addition to the support of the party establishment, Slotkin also has the backing of EMILY's List, VoteVets, End Citizens United, and the Michigan Building Trades Council. Another problem for Harper is that he is also competing against Michigan State Board of Education President Pamela Pugh, former state Rep. Leslie Love, businessperson Nasser Beydoun, and attorney Zack Burns. Michigan doesn't have runoffs, so the person who gets the most votes, wins. Consequently, Harper not only has to beat the much-better-known Slotkin, but also the rest of the pack, including two other Black candidates (Pugh and Love).
Several Republicans have entered the GOP primary, but all of them are complete unknowns. If Slotkin wins the primary, she will be the strong favorite in the general election. (V)