LANSING, Mich. — The Democratic Nominee for Michigan’s U.S. Senate seat has been set.
Elissa Slotkin is the projected winner of the Democratic primary, according to Decision Desk HQ.
Over a hundred people filed into the Hotel Saint Regis in downtown Detroit Tuesday evening, all there to support Slotkin's run for a seat in the United States Senate.
"We're certainly feeling the weight of this Senate seat, and we realize, like all big races in Michigan statewide races, it's going to be tight," Rep. Haley Stevens told FOX 17 at Tuesday's campaign party.
"That's why you see Elissa's fund raising prowess, grassroots prowess, an area where she's always shined in terms of getting out the vote, going into neighborhoods."
Rep. Stevens spoke about Slotkin's boots-on-the-ground approach throughout the State, comparing her to Republican Senate hopeful Mike Rogers. "This is a man who has no political home, who doesn't know who he is, who's drastically changed his positions from the time when he was serving in Congress to when he put up his hand to run for US Senate."
She continued, "It seems like he's just riding the Trump train, which is going to be large tax cuts for the corporations and not enough for our teachers and our fire and our police, and so we're going to have to hold them accountable."
Right around 9:00 p.m., the race was called in her favor by Decision Desk HQ.
Surprise guest Senator Debbie Stabenow took the stage just before 9:30 p.m. to voice her support for Slotkin.
"This is Michigan, it's always tough race," she said.
"I know this, but I'm telling you, with her talent and ability and all of us behind her, I know she's gonna win."
She added, "You have to listen to different points of view. You have to be willing to look across the aisle and try to forge a way to get things done and negotiate to get real results. I've seen her do that up front over and over again."
Stabenow said she is proud to be passing the baton to someone like Slotkin.
Rep. Elissa Slotkin followed Stabenow in addressing her supporters in Detroit Tuesday night.
"I'm honored to accept the nomination," Slotkin said to a round of explosive applause.
"The race has officially been called. We'll continue to really watch the numbers. We're watching, particularly the Detroit numbers come in. Every vote will be counted. Every vote matters."
Slotkin has already been endorsed by MI Congressman Dan Kildee, and Congresswomen Hillary Scholten and Haley Stevens.
"I understand what it's like to be cynical about politics and not expect a lot from your elected officials," she told an excited crowd.
"I understand that the bar is low for many elected officials. My plan is to leap over that very, very low bar community."
At 9:40 p.m., Slotkin announced from the stage that Mike Rogers had won the Republican primary vote.
"We don't boo, we just win," she said in response to a small chorus of jeers.
"The contrast between us could not be clearer. Quite simply, this election will come down between a choice of service to country or service to self."
She asked any undecided voters out there to consider voting for her.
"It's rational versus extreme. That's it. That's the whole debate," she said.
"So to everyone out there across our state who is tired of division and chaos, let me earn your vote. For everyone who believes our country is better than our current politics, I ask you to give me a shot. My message is simple, join us on team normal."
Debbie Stabenow sent FOX 17 a written statement just after 9:00 p.m. Tuesday, saying in part, "I strongly endorse Elissa Slotkin to be Michigan's next United States Senator. Elissa has dedicated the last five and a half years to creating a better life for families in her district. It's clear she knows what it takes to be a great legislator. She understands the skills you need in the Senate -- not just to give speeches -- but to actually get things done. From her leadership on the House Agriculture Committee during Farm Bill negotiations to securing millions of dollars for affordable child care, I've seen her in action."
The current Representative of Michigan’s 7th District in the U.S. House previously worked as a CIA analyst in the Middle East. She spent three tours in Iraq before working as a member of the national security staff for President George W. Bush and President Barrack Obama.
Slotkin told FOX 17 she is running with economic security as her top issue.
Slotkin defeated actor Hill Harper for the Democratic nomination.
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