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.
Peters defeated Republican challenger John James, who was running in his second bid for the U.S. Senate.
After being outraised by James several times, and spending massive amounts of money in the final months, Peters came out on top, winning roughly 50% of the vote to James’ 49%.
Peters underperformed former Vice President Joe Biden in several key Michigan counties, while James overperformed President Donald Trump—making the race especially close. Peters was one of two senators up for reelection in a state President Trump won in 2016. Alabama Senator Doug Jones—who lost his seat—was the other.
Peters will give a victory speech at 11 a.m. Thursday, but John James has not yet conceded.
[For more Michigan news right on your phone, subscribe to the Stateside podcast on Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts today]
Want to support reporting like this? Consider making a gift to Michigan Radio today.
