As the polls closed on Aug. 6, 2024, campaigning for the highly anticipated Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate seat had finally come to an end. Elissa Slotkin, a former CIA analyst and incumbent Representative of the 7th Congressional District, was pitted against Hill Harper, a renowned actor and political newcomer.
As of Wednesday, Aug. 7, at 8 a.m., it was clear that this race wouldn’t end in Harper’s favor. With 88% of precincts across the state reporting their numbers, Slotkin held a sizeable 77% (688,499) to 23% (211,066) advantage, which was sizeable enough to declare Slotkin a winner, according to projections.
Harper had run a valiant campaign, energizing crowds with his charismatic speeches and inspiring personal story. His message of hope and change resonated deeply with many Michiganders, particularly in parts of the state with large Black populations like Detroit and Flint. 
Despite being a political novice, Harper had proven to be a formidable opponent to the well-endorsed and well-funded political veteran in Slotkin. He had built a robust grassroots operation, unintentionally leveraging his celebrity status to draw attention to critical issues like economic inequality, education, and healthcare. However, some of his struggles throughout the race were forecast, as Slotkin had a stronghold in several parts of the state thanks to her political canvassing and the relationships she’s developed throughout her impressive career in politics and beyond. Harper’s campaign had attracted a diverse coalition of supporters, from young progressives to seasoned activists, but it was difficult to overcome what Slotkin brought to the table.
Slotkin’s experience and policy chops ultimately gave her the edge. A seasoned legislator with a deep understanding of Michigan’s complexities, Slotkin had built a reputation as a pragmatic problem-solver. Her campaign focused on kitchen-table issues like jobs, infrastructure, and access to affordable healthcare.
As election night wore on and Slotkin’s lead grew, it became evident that Harper wouldn’t fulfill his goal of becoming just the 13th Black U.S. Senator elected in the country’s history. Slotkin performed strongly in the suburbs and rural areas, where her moderate approach and commitment to bipartisanship resonated with voters. Harper, on the other hand, struggled to gain traction outside of his urban strongholds.
“It was a longshot for Hill, but we really believed in his message and in his goals of transforming the political landscape here in Michigan and beyond,” said Shawn Henderson, a voter and supporter of Harper. “He won me over because he didn’t try to use his celebrity status to win my vote. He has a background in politic science and he’s an extremely educated man who has shown that he’s keenly aware of the issues. I really wanted him to win for Detroit and for Michigan and for the people of the state.”
In the end, Slotkin’s victory looked imminent. Supporters cheered and chanted her name, exhilarated by the outcome and ready to continue rallying her way to the U.S. Senate seat. She will have another hurdle to overcome in November when she faces former Republican Rep. Mike Rogers in the November 2024 general election, as results show Rogers comfortably defeating Rep. Justin Amash and Sherry O’Donnell for the Republican Party nomination. With 88% of precincts reporting, Rogers secured 63% (547,550) of the votes in the GOP race.
Slotkin took to X, formerly Twitter, Tuesday night to thank her supporters and former Senator Debbie Stabenow, who announced in 2023 that she wouldn’t run for re-election, making it the first truly open Senate seat in years.
“THANK YOU, MICHIGAN!! Thank you to everyone who cast their ballot in this primary election – and to everyone who knocked a door, talked to voters, or chipped in a few bucks to fuel this campaign. I’m thrilled to officially be your Democratic Nominee for Senate. And for those who may not have voted for me, I look forward to earning your support,” she said. “Thank you Senator @stabenow for your friendship and for your unmatched legacy of service to our state. I’m so grateful for your mentorship and guidance over the last few years, and if I’m lucky enough to win this race, I will be stepping into some enormous shoes.”
Harper campaigned to the end, though, saying he was outside of polling locations until 8 p.m. when the final voters were walking into the buildings to cast their votes. At 8:01 p.m. Tuesday evening, he said, he was making his way to be with his supporters who gathered at the Detroit Club to watch as numbers rolled in.
But as the dust settled, political analysts began to dissect the results. Many noted that Harper’s candidacy had pushed Slotkin to her left, forcing her to engage more deeply with progressive issues. Others observed that Slotkin’s victory marked a significant milestone for Michigan’s Democratic establishment, which had rallied around her candidacy.
“We made up a lot of ground this week and the efforts of the team really left an imprint on people,” said Greg Bowens, Harper’s campaign manager. “We did a lot of great work as a team.”
For Slotkin, the win marked a major milestone in her political journey. She had proven herself to be a formidable candidate, capable of withstanding a strong challenge from a charismatic opponent. As she looks ahead to the general election in November, she knows that there is still a lot of work ahead as she prepares to battle Rogers. But for now, she’s enjoying the primary victory, grateful for the trust that Michigan’s Democrats have placed in her along the way.
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