Hill Harper Announces U.S. Senate Campaign in Michigan

Lansing, Michigan, July 31, 2025

News Summary

Hill Harper, known for his role in ‘The Good Doctor,’ has announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate seat in Michigan. Challenging Rep. Elissa Slotkin, Harper focuses on addressing special interests and enhancing diversity in politics. As he prepares for this new chapter, Harper aims to connect with voters seeking a change in leadership. The race heats up as both candidates address critical issues, with implications for the Democratic Party’s future in the 2024 elections.

Lansing, Michigan – Hill Harper, best known for his role as Dr. Marcus Andrews on ABC’s popular medical drama “The Good Doctor,” has officially declared his candidacy for the U.S. Senate seat in Michigan. Harper’s announcement came on July 10, 2023, as he prepares to challenge Democratic Representative Elissa Slotkin, who is vying for the position currently held by outgoing Senator Debbie Stabenow.

Harper, who has been a series regular since the show’s inception and is one of the last remaining cast members from the first season, has recently seen a shift in his career focus. As filming for the seventh season of “The Good Doctor” continues in British Columbia, Harper’s political aspirations may lead to a departure from the series, particularly following his character’s storyline, which saw Dr. Andrews resign from his position as hospital president in Season 6.

The race for the Senate seat is significant, especially as it comes at a time when the Democratic Party seeks to regain ground following losses in the upcoming 2024 Senate elections. Harper’s campaign makes addressing the influence of special interests a central theme, aiming to restore faith in government among constituents. He hopes to appeal to Black voters and other demographics who feel disenchanted with the current leadership of the Democratic party in Michigan.

In contrast, Rep. Elissa Slotkin has established herself as a formidable candidate, having previously defeated Republican Mike Rogers by a margin of approximately 19,000 votes. Slotkin’s strong fundraising capabilities have enabled her to gather millions for her campaign, showcasing a significant financial advantage over Harper’s relatively modest fundraising efforts. The candidate landscape may continue to evolve, as speculation surrounds potential challengers like State Senator Mallory McMorrow and others who may enter the primary race.

Both candidates are trying to capture the attention of the electorate on pressing issues. Harper’s position on the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, advocating for a ceasefire, aligns with a substantial portion of Michigan Democrats who support this viewpoint. He also identifies as a union member and aims to enhance diversity within the U.S. Senate, particularly regarding representation for Michigan’s Black community.

Despite Slotkin’s endorsements from various leaders, polls indicate that she holds a considerable lead over Harper, suggesting a challenging path ahead for his campaign. The 2024 Michigan Senate election is expected to be a pivotal contest, with national implications for both parties as political landscapes shift.

As the campaign unfolds, voters in Michigan will be closely watching how both candidates position themselves on the issues that matter most to their constituents, as well as how they manage the increased scrutiny that comes with running for office.

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Key Features Chart

Feature	Hill Harper	Elissa Slotkin
Role	Actor, “The Good Doctor”	U.S. Representative
Political Aspiration	Running for U.S. Senate	Running for re-election
Campaign Focus	Addressing special interests, diversity, ceasefire advocacy	Solidifying established position, fundraising
Fundraising Status	Lower campaign funds	Raised millions
Polling Status	Trailing in polls	Leading in polls

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Additional Resources

• Detroit Free Press: Mallory McMorrow and Elissa Slotkin
• Michigan Advance: Slotkin Defeats Harper
• CBS News: Slotkin vs. Rogers
• Wikipedia: General Information
• Encyclopedia Britannica: General Knowledge