Who Is Running for Senate in Michigan in 2026?
Last updated: February 28, 2026
Gary Peters
(Incumbent)Economy
HighGary Peters advocates for policies that enhance America's global economic competitiveness, particularly by prioritizing manufacturing jobs in trade agreements like the USMCA. He reintroduced the Global Investment in American Jobs Act to attract foreign direct investment and supported the CHIPS and Science Act to boost semiconductor manufacturing. Peters emphasizes focusing on economic issues such as tariffs and inflation.
Immigration
HighSenator Gary Peters voted against a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding bill, citing its lack of necessary reforms to immigration enforcement operations. He advocates for stronger guardrails and accountability, asserting that current enforcement practices are not protecting homeland security or making communities safer and are causing chaos and fear. Peters seeks to ensure federal agents abide by the same standards as local police, requiring measures like body cameras and clear identification.
Healthcare
HighSenator Gary Peters has consistently supported initiatives to make healthcare more affordable and accessible, citing healthcare as a fundamental right. He voted to enact the Affordable Care Act and has since worked to defend it, voting against a continuing resolution that failed to address rising healthcare costs. Peters also voted to extend critical ACA tax credits, aiming to lower healthcare costs and provide financial relief for Michiganders. He advocates for lowering prescription drug costs and protecting individuals with pre-existing conditions.
Republican Candidate
No Republican candidate has been confirmed for this race yet. Check back after the primary.
| Issue | Gary Peters |
|---|---|
| Economy | Gary Peters advocates for policies that enhance America's global economic competitiveness, particularly by prioritizing manufacturing jobs in trade agreements like the USMCA. He reintroduced the Global Investment in American Jobs Act to attract foreign direct investment and supported the CHIPS and Science Act to boost semiconductor manufacturing. Peters emphasizes focusing on economic issues such as tariffs and inflation. High |
| Immigration | Senator Gary Peters voted against a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding bill, citing its lack of necessary reforms to immigration enforcement operations. He advocates for stronger guardrails and accountability, asserting that current enforcement practices are not protecting homeland security or making communities safer and are causing chaos and fear. Peters seeks to ensure federal agents abide by the same standards as local police, requiring measures like body cameras and clear identification. High |
| Healthcare | Senator Gary Peters has consistently supported initiatives to make healthcare more affordable and accessible, citing healthcare as a fundamental right. He voted to enact the Affordable Care Act and has since worked to defend it, voting against a continuing resolution that failed to address rising healthcare costs. Peters also voted to extend critical ACA tax credits, aiming to lower healthcare costs and provide financial relief for Michiganders. He advocates for lowering prescription drug costs and protecting individuals with pre-existing conditions. High |
| Climate & Energy | Gary Peters prioritizes protecting the Great Lakes and addressing climate change, citing their importance to Michigan's culture, economy, and as a drinking water source for future generations. He has authored bipartisan measures to prevent oil spills and secured historic funding for Great Lakes cleanup and invasive species prevention. Peters also supports investing in clean energy job creation and resilient infrastructure, while opposing plans to develop sensitive ecosystems and fighting efforts to undermine key environmental laws. He secured funding for the Great Lakes Environmental Research Lab and the Center of Expertise for Oil Spill Preparedness and Response in an appropriations bill. Medium |
| Abortion & Reproductive Rights | Gary Peters believes a woman has a fundamental right to make decisions about her reproductive health with her doctor, free from political interference. He adamantly opposed the Supreme Court’s Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision and champions the Women’s Health Protection Act. Peters also spoke out against efforts to ban mifepristone. He has shared personal experiences to emphasize the importance of allowing women to make medical decisions. High |
| Foreign Policy | Senator Gary Peters, a member of the Armed Services Committee, urged the Air Force to provide necessary resources for the timely arrival of the new F-15EX Fighter Mission at Selfridge Air National Guard Base. He also supported Senate passage of a bipartisan deal to fund government agencies, ensuring federal resources remain available for Michigan servicemembers. High |
| Education | Senator Gary Peters helped pass the Fiscal Year 2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. He secured $1 million for Detroit Public Schools' aerospace education, $985,000 for Eastern Michigan University's aviation program, and $606,000 for Northern Michigan University's cybersecurity education. Peters aims to strengthen Michigan's workforce training programs, helping residents obtain good-paying jobs, boost the state's economy, and support long-term growth. High |
| Gun Policy | Gary Peters supports a bipartisan gun safety framework aiming to reduce gun violence and improve school safety. He advocates for Senator Feinstein's Age 21 Act to raise the minimum age for purchasing assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. Peters also supports a ban on military-style assault weapons and large-capacity magazines, universal background checks like Senator Murphy's Background Check Expansion Act, and introduced his own Hadiya Pendleton and Nyasia Pryear-Yard Gun Trafficking & Crime Prevention Act to criminalize gun trafficking. High |
Get updates on Michigan Senate
Enter your email to be notified when candidate profiles are complete.