• Haley Stevens announces her candidacy for Michigan's open U.S. Senate seat.
• Stevens emphasizes the impact of Trump's tariffs on Michigan's auto industry.
• The Michigan Senate race is becoming increasingly competitive with several candidates.

On Tuesday, Rep. Haley Stevens launched her campaign for Michigan's open U.S. Senate seat, positioning herself as a defender of the state's auto industry against the backdrop of President Trump's economic policies. In her announcement video, Stevens criticized Trump's "chaos and reckless tariffs," stating that they jeopardize tens of thousands of Michigan jobs and calling for a more stable economic approach. She emphasized her history of standing up for Michigan workers and her experience as chief of staff of the Obama administration’s auto task force, which helped save 200,000 jobs during the Great Recession, according to Indiatimes and The Hill.

Stevens joins a growing field of candidates vying for the seat currently held by retiring Sen. Gary Peters. Alongside her in the Democratic primary are state Sen. Mallory McMorrow and former health department director Abdul El-Sayed, making the race one of the most watched in the nation. Each candidate brings distinct backgrounds, with Stevens aiming to appeal to centrist voters while McMorrow and El-Sayed are seen as more progressive options, reports The New York Times and ABC News.

In her announcement, Stevens highlighted her roots in Michigan and the importance of the state's labor force, stating, "Growing up in Michigan meant being surrounded by innovation, ingenuity, and pride in hard work." She aims to defend her tenure in Congress while also competing against McMorrow's viral moments and El-Sayed's endorsements from prominent figures like Sen. Bernie Sanders, which adds a layer of complexity to her campaign. Stevens’ fundraising efforts have also been noteworthy as she raised $1.1 million in the first quarter, demonstrating significant support, according to The Hill and The New York Times.

As the primary approaches, Stevens aims to consolidate support in a competitive environment where both Republicans and Democrats are keenly interested in the outcome. The Republican candidates, such as former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers who narrowly lost a previous race, are also ramping up their campaigns, adding pressure to the Democratic contenders as both parties recognize that this Senate seat could play a crucial role in determining control of the chamber, as emphasized by ABC News and The New York Times.