Union Endorsements Shape Competitive Democratic U.S. Senate Primary in Michigan
Labor unions announce competing endorsements for Democratic U.S. Senate candidates as Michigan’s 2026 primary races intensify with new political backing.
ROYAL OAK, MICHIGAN — State Sen. Mallory McMorrow received a boost Wednesday in her Democratic U.S. Senate campaign as the Utility Workers Union of America announced its endorsement of the Royal Oak lawmaker.
The endorsement adds to a growing wave of labor support for candidates seeking the Democratic nomination to run for U.S. Senate. Sheet Metal Workers Local 80, representing more than 1,600 members across Southeast Michigan, announced Tuesday its endorsement of U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens of Birmingham for the same Democratic nomination.
Republican Senate Race Gains Momentum
On the Republican side, State Rep. Matt Maddock of Milford has thrown his support behind former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers of White Lake as Rogers seeks the GOP nomination for U.S. Senate.
The endorsements highlight the competitive nature of both primary races as candidates work to build coalitions ahead of the election cycle.
Congressional and Gubernatorial Races Heat Up
Michigan Senate Majority Floor Leader Sam Singh of East Lansing has endorsed Bridget Brink as she seeks the Democratic nomination for Michigan’s 7th Congressional District. Brink also received support from East Lansing City Councilmember Mark Meadows, who previously served as a state representative and mayor of East Lansing.
In the gubernatorial race, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson continues to build support for her Democratic nomination campaign. State Sens. Sam Singh of East Lansing and Jeff Irwin of Ann Arbor, along with State Rep. Veronica Paiz of Harper Woods, announced their endorsements of Benson. Former Gov. James Blanchard also backed Benson’s candidacy.
Thursday brought additional support for Benson from the Committee to Protect Health Care, further strengthening her endorsement portfolio.
Independent and Down-Ballot Endorsements
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, running as an independent candidate for Michigan governor, secured endorsements from two distinct organizations. Emgage Action, a nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Muslim American communities, announced Tuesday it is supporting Duggan’s independent campaign. The Romulus Police Association also endorsed the Detroit mayor.
In down-ballot races, Lisa McIntyre, the Democratic candidate for Michigan’s 22nd House District, received Tuesday’s endorsement from the Michigan League of Conservation Voters.
The Next 50, an organization supporting next-generation Democrats under 50, has endorsed Anna Aho Rink for Michigan’s 109th House District seat.
The flurry of endorsements reflects the active organizing efforts across multiple races as Michigan prepares for what appears to be a highly competitive election cycle at both the federal and state levels.
