‘We need new leaders’: Michigan’s Mallory McMorrow announces Senate candidacy, pushes for ‘new generation’ in Washington

Michigan state Senator Mallory McMorrow has officially entered the race for the US Senate, aiming to succeed retiring Democratic Senator Gary Peters.
The 38-year-old Democrat, who has gained national recognition for her fiery speeches and progressive stance, declared her candidacy on Wednesday, positioning herself as a fresh voice against Washington's status quo.
In a campaign video, McMorrow criticised current Democratic leadership, stating, "We need new leaders. Because the same people in DC who got us into this mess are not going to be the ones to get us out of it."

She framed her campaign as a generational shift, aiming to counter US President Donald Trump’s influence and reshape Democratic messaging to win back voters.
“Yes, we need not only a new generation of leadership, but a new generation of Democrats who, when they get power, are actually going to do the things they said they’re going to do,” she said.
McMorrow has distanced herself from Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer, stating that she would not support him for leadership if elected.
According to Politico, she also confirmed that she privately urged President Joe Biden to step aside in 2024. "We are not bringing in new ideas and a new approach and a new mix of people in a way that has really hurt us," she told NBC News.
Her candidacy comes at a crucial moment for Democrats, as Michigan has been a swing state in recent elections. As per the news agency Associated Press, Republicans see the seat as a prime opportunity, with former US Rep Mike Rogers, who narrowly lost the 2024 Senate race, expected to run again.
McMorrow rose to prominence in 2022 with a viral speech defending LGBTQ+ rights after being falsely accused by a Republican lawmaker of "grooming" children. “I am a straight, white, Christian, married, suburban mom” who wants “every kid to feel seen, heard and supported,” she said in the speech.
She faces potential competition from fellow Democrats, including US Rep Haley Stevens and attorney general Dana Nessel, both of whom have not ruled out a run.