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Inside Democrats’ Primary From Hell

Michigan’s three-way Democratic Senate primary is attracting historic gobs of money, drawing national talent, and providing an early preview of the sort of swing-state chaos the party can expect in 2028. It might also end up costing Democrats the seat.

Haley Stevens
The Democrat with the upper hand in the preseason has been Rep. Haley Stevens, who is running a conventional, general election–centric campaign, staking her fortunes on the traditional Michigan issue of manufacturing. Photo: Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images
Abby Livingston
February 9, 2026

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Of all the races in all the states in a turbulent midterm year, the battle for Michigan’s open Senate seat is becoming something of an obsession for political operatives in both parties. It’s the highest-stakes, most unpredictable contest on the map in 2026: Dems fret that a vicious primary could cost them retiring Sen. Gary Peters’ seat, while Republicans are salivating over the prospect of a pickup in a pivotal battleground—even in a tough year for the G.O.P.