Michigan House Speaker Joe Tate (D-Detroit) speaks to reporters in Lansing following Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's State of the State address on Jan. 24, 2024. (Photo by Andrew Roth)

Former Michigan House Speaker Joe Tate of Detroit announced today that he is stepping out of the race to become the state’s next U.S. senator, adding that he’ll support whomever becomes the Democratic Party nominee.

Tate announced his exit from the race in a news release Friday. The Associated Press was the first to report the news.

“Over the last three months, I traveled across Michigan. … I listened. I asked questions. I shared in their frustration,” Tate said in a statement. “They told me the truth. People aren’t getting ahead like they used to. Our nation is struggling to find its way. I entered this race to fight for those voices. And I’m proud of what we accomplished together in the Legislature for Michigan.”

After citing numerous accomplishments during his time in the House, Tate said he’s decided to leave the race after careful reflection.

“I’m not stepping back. I’m shifting how I serve,” Tate said. “I love Michigan. This state gave myself and my family an opportunity to succeed. It prepared me to serve my country in the United States Marine Corps, and has allowed me the honor of serving in the Michigan State Legislature since 2019.”

Tate added that he’ll continue to do what he can to support Democrats up and down the ballot, as well as the eventual Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate race in 2026.

With Tate’s departure, that leaves U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens (D-Birmingham), state Sen. Mallory McMorrow (D-Royal Oak), former gubernatorial candidate Abdul El-Sayed and research specialist Rachel Howard in the hunt for the Democratic nomination.

At present, former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers of White Lake is the only Republican seeking his party’s nomination for the seat after U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga of Holland Township declined to enter the race.

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