By Aneesh Karrupur (VI)
Michigan Senate: Incumbent Sen. Gary Peters (D), Challenger John James (R)
Senator Peters is seen as one of the most vulnerable Senate Democrats up for re-election this year; he was previously a Federal Representative for Michigan, an investment advisor, and served in the Navy from 1993 until 2008. James is an Army veteran who unsuccessfully ran for Senate in 2018; he is a business owner in Michigan.
Issues: On abortion, James and Peters fall in line with their respective parties: James being pro-life and promising to defund Planned Parenthood, and Peters being in support of abortion. Peters voted for the Affordable Care Act in 2009, while James has been highly critical of it. James has advocated for limited government, and Peters also expressed concern over federal debt and spending. Peters has been ranked to be a highly bipartisan politician. James has campaigned with and been endorsed by President Trump, although he has privately criticized the President.
Stats: In 2014, Peters defeated Republican Nominee Terry Land by a margin of 54.6% to 41.3%. Peters has been leading consistently by about 7%, and is favored to win according to local polling data.