U.S. Senate

U.S. Sen. Gary Peters reelected, narrowly maintaining his seat

By • Nov 5, 2020

Michigan’s junior Democratic Senator Gary Peters has won reelection to the U.S. Senate—eking victory out of a razor-thin margin. Before the election, polls showed Peters could retain his seat, but that the race would be tight. 


Michigan cherry farmers file trade dispute case with Turkey

By • Apr 23, 2019
Max Johnston / Interlochen Public Radio

U.S. cherry farmers filed a legal case against the country of Turkey on Tuesday. They say Turkey subsidizes their cherries so much that they can sell some products for half the price of domestic ones.

We’ve Got Issues: Former Chief Justice ends U.S. Senate bid, shakes up GOP race

By David Cassleman • Jan 8, 2018

A former state Supreme Court Chief Justice has ended his campaign for one of Michigan's seats in the U.S. Senate. Republican Bob Young announced last week that he was withdrawing his name from consideration. 

His departure means three Republicans remain in the race. They’re hoping to unseat Democratic Sen. Debbie Stabenow, who is running for a fourth term. 

Listen to an interview below with the Michigan Public Radio Network's Rick Pluta, who discusses how this news affects the race. 


Kid Rock Says Michigan Senate Campaign Website Is 'Not A Hoax'

By & • Jul 14, 2017

Kid Rock, the singer whose career has spanned rap, hard rock and country music, is fueling the speculation that he intends to announce a bid for the U.S. Senate next year to challenge incumbent Democrat Debbie Stabenow of Michigan. That is unless it's all a publicity stunt.

Friends, family remember 'problem-solver' Robert Griffin

By Aaron Selbig & Linda Stephan • Apr 21, 2015
Aaron Selbig

Former U.S. Senator Robert Griffin passed away Friday in Traverse City. He was 91. Griffin served Michigan for 17 years in the House of Representatives and the U.S Senate. He was also a justice on the Michigan Supreme Court.

His funeral was held Tuesday afternoon in Traverse City. IPR’s Aaron Selbig attended the funeral and spoke with Linda Stephan about the man behind the public face.

Sen. Gary Peters on bi-partisanship and the two bills he is co-sponsoring

By • Mar 5, 2015

When he was elected to the U.S. Senate, Gary Peters promised to approach his job in a spirit of bipartisan cooperation. He says that's exactly what's behind the first two bills he has introduced in the Senate.

A debate in the U.S. Senate race more likely?

By • Sep 17, 2014

With 48 days to go until the Nov. 4 election, many people are wondering if Michigan voters would ever get a chance to hear a debate between the candidates for U.S. Senate and for governor.

Republican Terri Lynn Land took the first step today toward holding a debate with Democratic rival Gary Peters.

Land's campaign just named Lansing attorney Richard McLellan as its debate negotiator. Land says McLellan will work with Detroit ABC affiliate WXYZ-TV and Peters' campaign to possibly find a West Michigan journalist to co-moderate a debate with WXYZ Editorial Director Chuck Stokes.

Peters named former Lt. Gov. John Cherry as his debate negotiator Aug. 6. Peters has accepted three debate invitations outright and two others on the condition that Land also agrees.

Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta are co-hosts of Michigan Radio's It's Just Politics. In their views, Michigan voters are clearly looking for the candidates' debates.