OPEN STATE SEAT

Much has been written about the U.S. Senate seat for which Democrat state Senator Mallory McMorrow has announced and the possible runoff against Congresswoman Haley Stevens. A primary battle between the two could leave open both of their current districts for the 2026 elections, but for certain the state Senate district will be in play with McMorrow at the end of her current term. The rumor mill is now starting to churn with possible replacements for the upper chamber. The name getting the most attention is that of Democrat Natalie Price, state Representative for House District 6 which covers Birmingham, Bloomfield Township, Berkley, Huntington Woods, Southfield and Royal Oak, a close match to the area served by McMorrow’s current district. Price told us she is seriously “exploring the state senate seat.” Price is serving her second term after winning her first election by 78 percent and the 2024 contest in a redrawn district by taking 60 percent of the November vote. She has developed a reputation, after serving on the Berkley city council, as a nose-to-the-grindstone type of public servant in Lansing, a pragmatic Democrat who actually lives up to her campaign promises of taking to Lansing her values of equity, concern for the environment, inclusion and reproductive freedom. She’s also a tough campaigner, still going door-to-door even in a safe Democrat district. Price has built up party support with her Price Majority Fund PAC that helps fund other Democrats. By the way, the PAC is hosting an event on May 4 at the Fifth Avenue in Royal Oak with special guest Jocelyn Benson, Michigan SOS. Stay tuned for other Democrats and some Republicans to throw their hats in this ring.

Natalie Price