Former MDP Chair Lavora Barnes Endorses Stevens For Senate
2/6/2026
Lavora Barnes: “Haley Has Always Been A Fighter For Michigan And Will Deliver For Michigan In The Senate”
DETROIT, MI –– Today, former Michigan Democratic Party Chair Lavora Barnes endorsed Haley Stevens for Senate, citing her long track record of fighting and delivering for Michiganders through her service as Chief of Staff to President Obama’s Auto Rescue, to fighting for Michigan’s economy in Congress, and being named one of the most effective lawmakers in Congress.
“Haley has always been a fighter for Michigan and will deliver for Michigan in the Senate. From her time as Chief of Staff of President Obama’s Auto Rescue to fighting–and winning–for Michigan manufacturers, Haley has always stood up for Michiganders when it matters most. I worked hand-in-hand with her to help elect Democrats up-and-down the ballot in Michigan. Haley knows how to win, and she is the best person to defeat Mike Rogers and win for Michigan in the Senate,” said Lavora Barnes. “I’m proud to endorse Haley and look forward to working with her to keep delivering for Michiganders”
“Lavora Barnes is a champion and history maker in Michigan. As MDP Chair, she stood up consistently for hardworking Michiganders,” said Congresswoman Haley Stevens. “I am truly honored to have Lavora by my side in this race to defeat Mike Rogers and deliver real solutions for Michiganders.”
As MDP Chair, Lavora Barnes led Michigan Democrats to victory in multiple election cycles. In 2020, she helped flip the state from Donald Trump and re-elect Gary Peters. In 2022, she worked with Governor Whitmer to lead the state party to win every statewide office by historic margins, and flipping the state Senate for the first time in 40 years. In 2024, she helped elect Elissa Slotkin to the U.S. Senate.
Haley continues to build the infrastructure to win statewide in Michigan and gain momentum. She is the only candidate in this race with the endorsement of multiple labor unions. So far, Haley has been endorsed by Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local 2, IronWorkers Local 25, Teamsters Local 243, UNITE HERE Local 24, Pipefitters, Steamfitters, Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Service Local Union 636, former state House Speaker Joe Tate, Congresswoman Hillary Scholten, the Mayors of Lansing and Grand Rapids, 11 mayors across Metro Detroit, 12 Oakland County elected officials and community leaders, 40 clergy members across Michigan, the Michigan Democratic Party Black Caucus, Reps. Helena Scott (Detroit), Tyrone Carter (Detroit), Amos O’Neal (Saginaw), Brenda Carter (Pontiac), former Detroit Mayor and NBA Hall of Famer Dave Bing, former MI Governor Jim Blanchard, former Governor Martin O’Malley, Elect Democratic Women PAC, and Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi. Read the full and growing list of endorsements here.
Haley’s strength comes from her relentless focus on protecting and growing Michigan manufacturing, fighting Trump’s reckless tariffs that undermine Michigan industries and jobs while increasing costs, and working to make groceries and health care more affordable for Michiganders. Haley was named the most effective Democratic member of Congress from Michigan and the most effective Democrat in the entire Congress on technology issues. She’ll continue that record of winning for Michigan to the U.S. Senate.