The Most Interesting Primary of 2026

In 2024, the last time Michigan had a coveted open seat for the U.S. Senate, the appetite for intraparty ideological conflict was at a deep Biden/Harris-era ebb, and anger at the Democratic establishment was not so sharply pronounced among the party base. With help from Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and retiring Sen. Debbie Stabenow, Elissa Slotkin was able to mostly clear the Democratic field 18 months before the primary, and sail to an ultimate victory, defeating Trump-endorsed Republican Mike Rogers in November.