WASHINGTON — Sen. Debbie Stabenow announced Thursday she will not seek reelection in 2024.
Stabenow released the following statement, saying she plans to leave the U.S. Senate once her current term ends on Jan. 3, 2025:
“Inspired by a new generation of leaders, I have decided to pass the torch in the U.S. Senate. I am announcing today that I will not seek re-election and will leave the U.S. Senate at the end of my term on January 3, 2025.
“As part of my own new generation, I was elected to the Ingham County Commission in 1974 at the age of 24. As the youngest and first woman to chair the Board, this began years of breaking barriers, blazing trails, and being the ‘first’ woman to reach historic milestones as an elected official, including the honor of being the first woman from Michigan elected to the U.S. Senate. But I have always believed it’s not enough to be the ‘first’ unless there is a ‘second’ and a ‘third’….
“When I ran for the State Legislature in 1978, there were only eight women serving in the State House and none in the State Senate or top statewide offices. This year there are 44 women serving in the State House and 15 in the Senate! Women hold the top three statewide elected offices, and we have the first female Majority Leader in the State Senate!
“Under the cloud of unprecedented threats to our democracy and our basic freedoms, a record-breaking number of people voted last year in Michigan. Young people showed up like never before. This was a very hopeful sign for our future.
“I am ‘Made in Michigan.’ My work is deeply rooted in my love of our wonderful state. Whether protecting our Great Lakes, transforming mental health services, or ensuring our state can continue to make things and grow things to be competitive in our world economy, I am proud that my accomplishments have made a difference in people’s lives and created a strong foundation for a healthy and prosperous future for our state.
“For the next two years, I am intensely focused on continuing this important work to improve the lives of Michiganders. This includes leading the passage of the next five-year Farm Bill which determines our nation’s food and agriculture policies. It is also key in protecting our land and water and creating jobs in our rural and urban communities.
“I am so grateful for the trust the people of Michigan have placed in me. I am also deeply grateful to my incredible staff, who are the best team in the United States Senate. They continue to set the highest standards for service in Michigan and across our country.
“When my term ends, I intend to begin a new chapter in my life that includes continuing to serve our State outside of elected office while spending precious time with my amazing 96-year-old mom and my wonderful family.”
Stabenow was the first Michigan woman to serve in the U.S. Senate. She was sworn in back in 2001. She is a graduate of Clare High School and Michigan State University.
At 24 years old, Stabenow was elected as a member of the Ingham County Board of Commissioners. She later spent 12 years in the Michigan House before serving in the Michigan Senate for four years, focusing on job creation, healthcare and agriculture as main priorities.
Stabenow has also co-chaired the Great Lakes Task Force and the Senate Manufacturing Caucus.
Following the announcement, Governor Gretchen Whitmer released a statement calling Stabenow a “champion for Michigan” and an “incredible friend.”
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“Senator Stabenow is a champion for Michigan.
As the first woman elected to represent Michigan in the U.S. Senate, she’s been leading the fight for working families, the auto industry, and farmers for a lifetime in Michigan and for Michigan in Washington, DC. She continues to stand up for workers’ rights and expand paths to good-paying jobs in the trades, bring manufacturing and supply chains home to Michigan, and work across the aisle as Chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee to deliver record, bipartisan farm bills.
She is a fierce protector of our Great Lakes, fought for decades to modernize the Soo Locks, and continues to tackle toxic contaminants in drinking water. She’s also a leader in expanding access to affordable health care and ensuring parity for mental health services.
Most of all, she is an incredible friend. Debbie is one-of-one. As governor of this great state for the next four years, I look forward to working with her through the end of her term and beyond in however she serves our state next.”
Sen. Gary Peters also released the following statement in response to Stabenow's announcement:
“Senator Stabenow is a trailblazer and amazing Senator for Michigan. Her distinguished record stands as a testament to her devotion to Michigan and families across our country.
“Debbie is a dear friend and mentor. There is no question she will leave an enduring legacy — as a champion for children, women and families, workers, manufacturing and our auto industry, mental health care and the Great Lakes. As Chairwoman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, she’s played a powerful role in shaping our agriculture policy, working to end child hunger, and focusing on the issues most important to farmers and our agriculture industry in Michigan.
“I will miss serving with her but know that her work — and our work together — for Michigan is not done. I look forward to working with her over the next two years to again pass a comprehensive farm bill and deliver results for Michigan.”
Michigan AFL-CIO President Ron Bieber released the following statement:
“Since day one, Senator Debbie Stabenow has been breaking barriers and making history in the U.S. Senate. She shattered the glass ceiling for Michigan women by not only serving as the first Michigan woman elected to the U.S. Senate, but by also rising to be the No. 3 Democrat in Senate leadership.
“Working folks in Michigan and across the country have been positively impacted by her achievements in her time in public service. In her historically productive career in the U.S. Senate, Debbie never wavers from her core values and always puts Michigan’s working families first. She’s a true leader and an even greater friend.”
Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist released a statement, calling Stabenow a trailblazer and history-maker.
“Senator Debbie Stabenow has built an incredible legacy as a trailblazer, history-maker, champion for Michigan, and friend. In her advocacy on mental health, making Michigan the best place to make and grow things, and protecting our natural resources, she has done so much to build a state we can be proud to pass on to our kids. I am grateful for Senator Stabenow’s friendship and leadership. Let’s build on her legacy and continue working together to make a difference for Michiganders in every community.”
Michigan Democratic Party Chair Lavora Barnes released this statement, referring to Stabenow as Michigan's "biggest cheerleader."
"Senator Stabenow has dedicated her life to Michigan and truly has been a tremendous public servant. She is our biggest cheerleader, offering unwavering support to the Michigan Democratic Party and fighting for Michiganders every day. It has been an honor to work alongside her to ensure that we have a voice in Lansing and Washington D.C.
"Our work together is far from over. I know Sen. Stabenow's support will remain unwavering and that she is deeply committed to keeping this seat blue. The strength of the Democratic Party in Michigan has reached new heights and we have full confidence in our ability to defend this seat.
All of us who are part of the Michigan Democratic Party family wish the Senator the best as she finishes her term as Michigan's first woman to serve in the U.S. Senate. She will always be a friend, role-model, and have our deepest respect."
