Michigan Senate
Michigan — U.S. Senate
Challengers
5Gary Peters is a former CIA analyst and Navy Reserve officer who brings a national security background to his role as one of the Senate's more moderate Democrats. Before joining the Senate in 2015, he served three terms in the House and worked as an investment advisor, giving him experience across both financial and defense policy areas. Peters is known for his pragmatic approach to governance and his focus on manufacturing issues important to Michigan's economy, often working across party lines on infrastructure and automotive industry priorities. He gained national attention in 2019 when he became the first sitting senator in decades to publicly share his family's personal experience with abortion, speaking out during Supreme Court confirmation hearings.
John James is a Black Republican businessman and Army veteran who made national headlines during two high-profile but unsuccessful Senate campaigns in Michigan before winning his House seat. A West Point graduate and Apache helicopter pilot who served combat tours in Iraq, James built his profile as a rising star in the GOP while running his family's logistics company. His military background and business experience have shaped his focus on defense issues and economic policy, while his candidacy represented the party's efforts to diversify its ranks in a traditionally blue state.
Recent Coverage
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Fact check: John James’ link to data center tax breaks, donations

Where Michigan governor candidates stand on rural government crisis

Michigan Republican John James joins calls for end to Iran War

Vulnerable Republican candidates urge end to Iran war

Retiring Michigan senator to lead USC politics center

John James utility plan calls for more cost controls, increased competition
Election History
Campaign finance data sourced from FEC filings. Election results from MIT Election Lab. ChamberLight is not an official government source.