Hill Harper, renowned for his roles on popular TV shows like “CSI: NY” and “The Good Doctor,” declared his candidacy for Michigan’s vacant U.S. Senate seat, pitting him against U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin for the Democratic nomination. This announcement makes Harper the sixth Democratic contender in the race to succeed the retiring Sen. Debbie Stabenow, who disclosed in January that she won’t seek re-election for a fifth term in 2024 in the fiercely contested state.
Although originally from Iowa, Harper has deep connections to Michigan, as he owns a residence in Detroit and acquired the Roasting Plant Coffee shop in the city in 2017. Prior to embarking on an acting career, he pursued higher education at Brown University and Harvard Law School. Harper gained fame through his prominent role in the long-running CBS series “CSI: NY” spanning nine seasons and currently graces the screens on ABC’s “The Good Doctor.”
In 2012, Harper received an appointment to President Barack Obama’s cancer panel due to his personal experience as a cancer survivor.
In a pre-announcement interview with The Associated Press, Harper described himself as a small-business owner, a union member, and an activist. He emphasized that his lack of a “career politician” background would be an asset in Congress, aiming to run a grassroots campaign that prioritizes the people’s interests.
Harper believes that representation is not solely about party affiliation but about ensuring people feel heard and represented. He believes that being an independent voice in the U.S. Senate aligns with the desires of the people of Michigan.
Harper faces a challenging task in catching up with Slotkin in terms of fundraising and campaigning. Slotkin has already amassed $5.8 million in campaign funds in just over four months, with $3.6 million still unspent. Additionally, Slotkin has secured the endorsement of fellow U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens, a Democratic representative from suburban Detroit.
Initially, many prominent Democratic contenders who were considering a Senate run opted out of the race after Slotkin’s announcement in February, seemingly clearing the path for the third-term representative who had gained prominence by consistently winning one of the nation’s most fiercely contested House seats.
However, in recent months, the field of Democratic candidates has expanded. State Board of Education member Pamela Pugh, former Detroit state Rep. Leslie Love, businessman Nasser Beydoun, and attorney Zack Burns have all announced their campaigns, adding to the competition.
Michigan remains a crucial state for Democrats in their quest to maintain Senate control, as they face challenging races in Ohio, West Virginia, Montana, Nevada, and Pennsylvania. In the 2020 elections, Republican John James, who is now a U.S. representative, narrowly lost to Democratic incumbent Sen. Gary Peters.
While two GOP candidates, including state Board of Education member Nikki Snyder, have declared their candidacy, Republicans have yet to find a high-profile contender to compete for the Senate seat. Several potential candidates, such as former U.S. Rep. Peter Meijer, are contemplating entering the race.
It’s worth noting that Republicans have only won one out of Michigan’s last 15 Senate races, securing an open seat victory in 1994.
On the same day, former state Sen. Curtis Hertel Jr., a Democrat, will announce his bid for the 7th Congressional District, which is one of the most fiercely contested House districts in the country. Former state Sen. Tom Barrett, a Republican, launched his second campaign for the seat on Sunday.