MI-SEN 2024 Megathread - Meijer out

[NewYorkExpress]

This one's Lean R (at least until we get an idea of who the candidates will be).

While Republicans have a weaker bench, they will have momentum on their side in 2024.

[NewYorkExpress]

I'm interested to see how many House reps take the plunge and run.

James will, maybe Tlaib, Slotkin or Stevens.

[NewYorkExpress]

Joceyln Benson is out.

Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said Friday she won't run for U.S. Senate in 2024 for the seat being vacated by retiring Democratic U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow of Lansing.

Benson, a Detroit Democrat, said in a video posted to Twitter that she had received encouragement from around the state to run but that she'd decided instead to focus on protecting democracy and ensuring fair and safe elections

[NewYorkExpress]

https://twitter.com/kasbenal/status/1656768068977139720

[NewYorkExpress]

https://twitter.com/rpyers/status/1658982097669988352

[NewYorkExpress]

Hill Harper announcement imminent.

Democratic leaders hoped Elissa Slotkin would clear the field in the Senate primary in Michigan, giving the battle-tested candidate extra time and money to prepare for the general election. Instead, a handful of Democrats have already jumped into the race — and one more is likely on the way.

Actor Hill Harper is finalizing plans to launch his Senate campaign in the coming weeks. The Democrat is preparing for his kickoff event, according to a person close to Harper’s team. He has also shot his announcement video and ordered campaign T-shirts.


The Win Company, the Democratic firm that produced ads for now-Sen. John Fetterman in 2022, made Harper’s launch video, a second source told POLITICO.

Even though I doubt he wins the primary, I'd consider it a victory if his campaign is better than Dr. Oz's last cycle.

[NewYorkExpress]

Probably just me, but I think Slotkin should consider dropping out and running for reelection instead.

If Harper runs a progressive enough campaign, she will lose the primary, as black voters+progressives is enough to win the primary.

[NewYorkExpress]

Lisa McClain is out.

Two-term Michigan U.S. Rep. Lisa McClain said Wednesday she won't run for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate next year, though she left open the possibility of a future statewide run, perhaps for governor.

McClain, 57, of Bruce Township, told The Detroit News she's happy serving in the U.S. House, which "is a good fit for me." She is currently the second-highest ranking House Republican woman as secretary of the House GOP Conference, and this year took on a gavel as chair of the Oversight Subcommittee on Health Care and Financial Services.


"I'm in a really good spot where I'm at. Life's about timing, and right now, I think I am best served to sit on the leadership team in the House. I like being in the majority. I think we've made some significant, although not perfect policy changes," McClain said.

[NewYorkExpress]

Moving this one from Lean D to Tossup pending the Republican Primary.