Michigan state senator and Senate candidate Mallory McMorrow told CBS News’ The Takeout that her Republican general-election opponent, U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, will be “a formidable competitor” in November — and warned Democrats to be realistic about the challenge ahead.
Speaking with Major Garrett as the Democratic primary tightened, McMorrow emphasized her record in Michigan politics and argued that her experience distinguishes her from other primary contenders, including Congresswoman Haley Stevens and former Detroit mayoral candidate Abdul El‑Sayed. She pointed to her 2018 victory over a Republican incumbent, her role in flipping the state Senate, and her service as majority whip as evidence that she can beat Rogers, who she said has strong outside money and the full backing of former President Donald Trump.
“I beat a Republican incumbent to get into the state senate in 2018, then helped flip our entire chamber to Democrats,” McMorrow said. “He will be a formidable competitor. But I know how to do it.” She listed policy wins as majority whip: work on affordability, civil and voting rights, expanding reproductive health access, and measures to support families.
On the primary campaign: McMorrow acknowledged polling swings and a possible surge for El‑Sayed, arguing that many voters are still “tuning in” and are looking for a fighter with a record of delivering results. Her message, she said, is to meet voters face‑to‑face and make the case that her experience is what’s needed to win the seat.
Dark money and social media controversies came up during the interview. Asked whether outside dark‑money groups are supporting her, McMorrow said no, noting staff have worked with other organizations in normal campaign ways. On deleted tweets from her past, she explained that she and other candidates cleaned up social media prior to 2020 and said she moved to Michigan, fell in love with the state and ran because she wanted it to be a place where her daughter — and others’ children — could thrive.
McMorrow also offered opinions on broader Democratic strategy. She argued the party needs a reckoning after losing Michigan in 2024 and called for new Senate leadership that follows the “blueprint” she helped execute in Michigan: winning tough races, turning power into enacted policy, and rebuilding trust. When pressed on specific institutional reforms, she said she is against keeping the filibuster and opposed the Electoral College.
With the general‑election match‑up looming, McMorrow framed the contest as a test of whether Democrats can mobilize in a battleground state facing a well‑funded Republican opponent. She said the campaign will be focused on messaging about everyday concerns — affordability and access to care — and on proving to voters that she can beat Rogers this November.