Democratic power shift in Michigan challenged by Stevens' wager

In the upcoming 2026 Senate election in Michigan, the Democratic primary is shaping up to be a closely contested race. The key contenders are U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens and state Sen. Mallory McMorrow, with other declared candidates including former Michigan House Speaker Joe Tate (who suspended his campaign in August 2025) and Abdul El-Sayed, the former Wayne County health director and 2018 gubernatorial candidate.

The Democratic candidates are focusing on progressive values and combating misinformation, with McMorrow gaining national prominence after her viral speech in 2022 defending LGBTQ+ rights. The candidates are positioning themselves as rising party stars, aiming to energize the Democratic base in a crucial swing state. Specific policy priorities have not been detailed extensively, but topics like healthcare, social justice, and economic opportunity are likely central themes.

On the Republican side, former Rep. Mike Rogers is the leading candidate, endorsed by prominent Republican figures including former President Trump, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, and Sen. Tim Scott.

Meanwhile, international news highlights include:

Middle East: Norway has ordered its sovereign wealth fund to review its investments in Israeli companies after reports showed it financed businesses linked to the war in Gaza. Israel is expected to approve a new plan to take over Gaza aimed at completely destroying Hamas and securing hostage releases.
Global Trade: The US government has implemented global tariffs, reshaping international commerce by instituting levies on imports from friend and foe alike. Trump announced an additional 25% tariff on India over its purchase of Russian oil, ratcheting up tensions with the world's most populous nation.
Climate Change: Changing weather patterns, driven in large part by climate change, are having serious financial consequences. More than 500 wildfires are burning out of control in Canada, and around 81 million people in the US were under air quality alerts. Australia's Great Barrier Reef suffered the worst coral bleaching on record. Communities across Asia are grappling with extreme weather as climate change makes monsoon season more erratic.
Politics: The US endorsed laws recently approved in El Salvador that will allow President Nayib Bukele to remain in power indefinitely. The UN's food agency announced it would shut half its clinics in northern Nigeria as it winds down its operations in Africa over a funding crisis. Rwanda agreed to take as many as 250 migrants deported from the US, part of efforts across the continent to placate Washington in the face of tariff threats and travel bans.
Economy: The kingdom of Saudi Arabia has made some progress, with its non-oil economy having overtaken the fossil-fuel one, but huge challenges remain, not least a widening government deficit, persistent vulnerability to crude prices, and weak Aramco shares, which are underperforming those of other major oil and gas firms.
Technology: The US government is demanding the resignation of Intel's CEO, Lip-Bu Tan, over his alleged ties to China. Intel's shares fell around 4% in premarket trading due to Trump's demand. Apple will invest an additional $100 billion in US manufacturing, following a $500 billion pledge earlier this year. A record number of Chinese companies are publicly listing in the US, despite poor ties between the two superpowers.

In summary, the Democratic primary in Michigan's 2026 Senate race is competitive, with Haley Stevens and Mallory McMorrow as the front-runners. The key issues for Democratic candidates center on progressive values, combating misinformation, and social justice. The Republican front-runner is Mike Rogers, with strong establishment backing. The stage is set for a primary focused on appealing to Michigan’s diverse and swing voter base.

The Democratic candidates in the Michigan Senate race are also exhibiting interest in diverse topics, with an emphasis on issues like climate change, which has serious financial consequences such as wildfires and air quality alerts.
In the global arena, technology plays a significant role, with the US government demanding the resignation of Intel's CEO over alleged ties to China and Apple committing additional funds for US manufacturing.
Meanwhile, the business sector is not exempt from political influences, as seen in the US government's implementation of global tariffs and its endorsement of laws allowing El Salvador's President to stay in power indefinitely.