Hill Harper, an actor on ‘CSI: NY’ and ‘The Good Doctor,’ is running for the US Senate in Michigan

Hill Harper, celebrated for his acting roles in “CSI: NY” and “The Good Doctor,” has declared his intent to join the race for the U.S. Senate seat in Michigan, thereby pitting himself against U.S. Representative Elissa Slotkin for the Democratic nomination.

Harper is the sixth Democrat to throw his hat in the ring for the seat left vacant by the impending retirement of Democratic Senator Debbie Stabenow. Stabenow disclosed earlier in January that she would not be seeking reelection in the politically contested state for a fifth term in 2024.

Iowa-born Harper has a residence in Detroit and is also the proprietor of the city’s Roasting Plant Coffee, which he purchased in 2017. Prior to his acting career, Harper attended Brown University and Harvard Law School. He had a long stint on the CBS show “CSI: NY” lasting nine seasons, and is presently seen on ABC’s “The Good Doctor.”

Harper has previously held a role in public service, having been named to President Barack Obama’s cancer panel in 2012, a position close to his heart as a cancer survivor himself.

In a pre-announcement interview with The Big Big News, Harper portrayed himself as a small business owner, a union member, and an activist. He expressed his belief that his lack of experience as a “career politician” would work to his advantage in Congress and stated his commitment to run a campaign that is “powered by the people, for the people.”

Harper emphasized that his campaign isn’t about political party alignment, but rather about ensuring representation for the people. He expressed his intent to serve as an independent voice in the U.S. Senate, a trait he believes Michiganders currently desire.

Harper has a considerable challenge ahead of him, given Slotkin’s established fundraising and campaigning credentials. Slotkin has accrued $5.8 million in a mere four months according to her campaign, with $3.6 million of it still unspent. She has already secured the endorsement of U.S. Representative Haley Stevens, a fellow Democrat from parts of suburban Detroit.

Despite the initial retreat of several top Democratic candidates ahead of Slotkin’s February announcement, the field of contenders has since grown. Other candidates now include State Board of Education member Pamela Pugh, former Detroit state Rep. Leslie Love, businessman Nasser Beydoun, and attorney Zack Burns.

Michigan continues to be a critical state for Democrats to secure if they wish to retain their Senate majority, especially in light of the anticipated fierce races in Ohio, West Virginia, Montana, Nevada, and Pennsylvania. In the 2020 election, Republican John James, currently a U.S. Representative, was narrowly defeated by the incumbent Democratic Senator Gary Peters.

While the GOP has seen two declarations, including State Board of Education member Nikki Snyder, they are yet to announce a candidate with significant public profile to compete for the seat. Several prospective candidates, such as former U.S. Representative Peter Meijer, are contemplating joining the race.

Of Michigan’s last 15 Senate races, Republicans have managed to secure only one, which was an open seat in 1994.

Also on Monday, former state Senator Curtis Hertel Jr., a Democrat, is set to declare his candidacy for Slotkin’s seat in the 7th Congressional District, one of the nation’s most competitive House districts. Republican Senator Tom Barrett announced his second run for the seat on Sunday night.

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More about Hill Harper Senate Run

• Hill Harper’s Biography
• Roasting Plant Coffee
• Elissa Slotkin’s Political Career
• Michigan’s Political Landscape
• President Obama’s Cancer Panel
• Democratic Party’s Senate Majority