Outgoing Michigan senator Gary Peters predicted a Democratic “blue wave” across the United States as he addressed supporters at a party watch event on election night.
Peters, who is retiring after two terms in the US Senate, spoke as votes were being counted in a closely watched contest to decide his successor.
The Michigan Senate race is between Democrat Abdul El-Sayed and Republican Mike Rogers, a former congressman. The open seat is being treated as a key battleground in the fight for control of the Senate.
Republicans entered election night holding a 53-47 majority, while Democrats were seeking the net gain of four seats needed to retake the chamber.
Michigan remains one of the country’s most competitive political states, with the Senate contest drawing national attention during the 2026 midterm elections.
Mr Peters, who previously led the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, has won two statewide Senate elections in Michigan and was not seeking a third term.
