(Source: MIRS.news, Published 03/24/23) The race for the Democratic U.S. Senate nomination is shaping up to be U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-Holly) against Southeast Michigan business executive Nasser Beydoun, after Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson announced Friday she's "committed to being singularly focused on my job as Michigan's Secretary of State."
Benson is the last elected Democrat of prominence to bow out of seeking the seat, further clearing the path for Slotkin who sent out a fundraising pitch today about how there's only seven days left until the end of the first reporting cycle and “that’s 7 days to put up the strongest number possible.”
Beydoun said during an early recording of MIRS Monday podcast that he has a $10 million budget for the Democratic primary election and a $50 million budget for the general election.
Asked how much in personal resources he's willing to spend on a campaign, Beydoun said, "I'm not a multi-millionaire, where I can invest $100 million into my own campaign, but I will invest whatever it takes to make sure I'm a credible candidate."
The only other name in circulation among Democrats is actor and entrepreneur Hill HARPER of Detroit, but MIRS has learned support behind Harper's interest in the seat is waning.
Last month, Detroit political consultant Virgil Smith put the odds of Harper getting into the race at 50/50. Today, he put the odds at less than that.
“I don't know if this campaign is going to get off the ground based on what I've seen so far,” Smith said.
Benson said since Stabenow made her announcement in January, she has received "a great deal of encouragement" and she's grateful for the confidence that folks have in her as a leader.
"I firmly believe that the best way to serve you and our democracy is to not be a candidate for any other office, role or position this election cycle," she said in a message to her supporters.
U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Lansing) announced in January that she would not seek another six-year term when the seat comes up again in 2024.
On the Republican side, Board of Education member Nikki Snyder and small business owner Michael Hoover are announced candidates.
The biggest battle on the ballot in 2024 is protecting our democracy.
And all of my work this cycle will be fully focused on working with every one of you to win that fight.
Because every citizen deserves to live in a state where their voices are heard and where truth prevails. pic.twitter.com/pIkps7nmfk
— Jocelyn Benson (@JocelynBenson) March 24, 2023
