United States Senate elections in Michigan, 2014
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic |  Gary Peters | 54.6% | 1,704,936 | |
| Republican | Terri Lynn Land | 41.3% | 1,290,199 | |
| Libertarian | Jim Fulner | 2% | 62,897 | |
| U.S. Taxpayers Party | Richard Matkin | 1.2% | 37,529 | |
| Green | Chris Wahmhoff | 0.8% | 26,137 | |
| Total Votes | 3,121,698 | |||
| Source:Michigan Secretary of State | ||||
 |
November 4, 2014 |
August 5, 2014 |
Gary Peters  |
Carl Levin |
 |
Cook Political Report:Toss Up[1] Sabato's Crystal Ball:Likely D[2] |
 |
Voters inMichiganelectedGary Peters (D) to theU.S. Senate in theelection on November 4, 2014.
Rep. Gary Peters (D) defeated challengersTerri Lynn Land (R),Jim Fulner (L),Richard Matkin (G) andChris Wahmhoff (UST) in the general election.
The previous incumbent wasCarl Levin (D), who served in his position starting in 1979. With Levin's retirement, many predicted the Michigan U.S. Senate race to be one of the more competitive races in 2014.Cook Political Report rated the general election contest between Peters and Land as a "Toss Up" as of July 18, 2014.Sabato's Crystal Ball, meanwhile, called it a "Likely D," giving the advantage to the Democrats.
As the election approached, polls showed Rep.Peters leading formerSecretary of StateLand. Despite early attention surrounding the race, Land declined to participate in debates and limited press interactions. Her campaign also drew criticism from some observers, including members of her own party, following several public missteps.[3]
In early October 2014, theNational Republican Senatorial Committee reduced its planned advertising in Michigan, canceling about $1 million in airtime scheduled for October 21–28. The move came asLand continued to trail Rep.Peters in the polls.[4]
Campaign finance reports from April 2014 showed thatPeters had about $3.45 million in cash on hand, whileLand reported about $4.35 million. Both candidates spent significant amounts on their campaigns leading up to the election.
Peters received campaign support from several prominent Democrats, includingHillary Clinton and former New York City MayorMichael Bloomberg. He also campaigned alongsidePresident Obama, a strategy that differed from some Democratic candidates in other competitive Senate races.[5]
Neither candidate faced opposition in their primaries.Libertarian Party candidateJim Fulner, independentRichard Matkin andGreen Party candidateChris Wahmhoff also ran in the general election.
| Candidate Filing Deadline | Primary Election | General Election |
|---|---|---|
Primary: Aprimary election is an election in which registered voters select a candidate that they believe should be a political party's candidate for elected office to run in the general election. They are also used to choose convention delegates and party leaders. Primaries are state-level and local-level elections that take place prior to a general election. Michigan utilizes anopen primary system, in which registered voters do not have to be members of a party to vote in that party's primary. All candidates appear on the same ballot and a voter may only vote for candidates of one party at any primary.[6][7]
For information about which offices are nominated via primary election, seethis article.
Voter registration: Tovote in the primary, voters must have registered by June 7, 2014. For thegeneral election, the voter registration deadline was October 6, 2014.[8]
- See also:Michigan elections, 2014
Incumbent: The election filled the open Senate seat previously held byCarl Levin (D). Levin was first elected in 1978. On March 7, 2013, Levin announced that he wouldretire rather than seek re-election in 2014.[9]
Candidates
General election candidates
Terri Lynn Land - Former Michigan Secretary of State- Gary Peters - U.S. Representative
a 
Jim Fulner
Richard Matkin
Chris Wahmhoff
August 5, 2014, primary results
|
|
Declined to run
- Dave Camp -U.S. Representative.[10]
- Mike Rogers -U.S. Representative.
- Kim Small - District Court Judge
General election results
The state of Michigan held an election for theU.S. Senate on November 4, 2014.Gary Peters (D) defeated challengersTerri Lynn Land (R),Jim Fulner (L),Richard Matkin (G) andChris Wahmhoff (UST) in the general election.
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Gary Peters | 54.6% | 1,704,936 | |
| Republican | Terri Lynn Land | 41.3% | 1,290,199 | |
| Libertarian | Jim Fulner | 2% | 62,897 | |
| U.S. Taxpayers Party | Richard Matkin | 1.2% | 37,529 | |
| Green | Chris Wahmhoff | 0.8% | 26,137 | |
| Total Votes | 3,121,698 | |||
| Source:Michigan Secretary of State | ||||
Race background
A newSuper PAC, Pure PAC, was formed to support Republican candidates and ran ads opposingGary Peters. The ads criticized Peters for his "runaway spending" and for supporting Obamacare. The PAC spent $15,000 on the ads, which ran for three weeks.[11]
Issues
Campaign issues
Land
Land's website listed the following issues:
| “ | Free and Fair Trade: Trade policies from Washington all too often dramatically harm our state’s economy and cost Michigan good-paying middle class jobs. I will only support trade agreements that put Michigan businesses and workers on a level playing field with other countries. Real Health Care Reform: ObamaCare has increased health care costs. ObamaCare has caused people to lose their insurance. ObamaCare regulations and taxes have discouraged health care innovation. Small businesses are even scaling back plans to hire more workers to avoid the penalty for having more than 50 employees. Some employers have reduced employees’ hours and have been forced to drop insurance plans. There is a better way. Immigration: We have a crisis on our southern border. The first duty of the federal government is to protect its citizens, but it cannot do that if it does not know who is coming in and out of the country. The broken border with Mexico has cost Michigan jobs. Those who blatantly ignore our laws should not be rewarded, while those who follow the law are forced to wait in line to enter our country – this only invites more lawlessness. It’s time for a systematic approach: We must enforce the immigration laws that are already on the books, make the immigration system more efficient, increase high-tech visas and seal off the border to Mexico. My plan will put Michigan First by protecting our middle class jobs and helping Michigan businesses grow.[12] | ” |
Peters
Peters' website listed the following issues:
| “ | Jobs & Economy: We make things in Michigan, and Gary is proud of that tradition. Whether it’s investing in Michigan Main Street businesses, strengthening our automotive industry, expanding agricultural innovation, or promoting entrepreneurial talents, Gary will continue to lead the fight for Michigan’s economic future and a strong middle class in the U.S. Senate. Health Care: Medicare has helped make health care affordable for thousands of Michigan seniors, and Gary is committed to ensuring it can be relied upon for generations to come. He has consistently opposed the Republican Ryan Budget Plan to privatize Medicare and end the guaranteed benefit for our seniors, and will continue to fight against any efforts to cut such a vital program. America needs more than just a sick-care system. We need to move towards a results-driven, sustainable, health care system that puts the well-being of our families first. Gary will work in the U.S. Senate to make sure health care reform continues to move forward in a practical, common-sense way. Military & Veterans: The son of a World War II veteran, Gary was instilled the importance and value of service. When he was 34 years old, Gary felt compelled to serve his country and joined the U.S. Navy Reserve. After the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Gary volunteered and served again. Trained as a sharpshooter in pistol and rifle and as a Seabee Combat Specialist, Gary eventually rose to the rank of Lieutenant Commander. When our veterans file claims with the VA, they shouldn’t be subjected to staggering backlogs. Gary is working with his colleagues to reduce the backlog at the VA and get our veterans and their families the benefits they’ve earned. All of us are indebted to the men and women that serve our nation. And Gary will continue to fight for Michigan’s service men and women, veterans, and their families.[12] | ” |
Race ratings
Washington Post top 10 races
According to an analysis byThe Washington Post, the U.S. Senate election in Michigan was considered one of the top 10 Senate races of 2014.[13]
Polls
| Gary Peters vs. Terri Lynn Land | |||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Poll | Gary Peters | Terri Lynn Land | Undecided | Margin of Error | Sample Size | ||||||||||||||
| Rasmussen Reports (September 17-18, 2014) | 41% | 39% | 20% | +/-4 | 750 | ||||||||||||||
| Mitchell Research (September 15, 2014) | 43% | 41% | 9% | +/-3.4 | 829 | ||||||||||||||
| Glengariff Group/Detroit News (September 3-5, 2014) | 47% | 37% | 12% | +/-4.0 | 600 | ||||||||||||||
| Mitchell Research (August 5, 2014) | 45% | 44% | 11% | +/-5.0 | 626 | ||||||||||||||
| Marist Polls (July 1-3, 2014) | 43% | 37% | 19% | +/-3.3 | 870 | ||||||||||||||
| Public Policy Polling (June 26-29, 2014) | 41% | 36% | 24% | +/-4.1 | 578 | ||||||||||||||
| Public Policy Polling (April 3-6, 2014) | 41% | 36% | 23% | +/-3.4 | 825 | ||||||||||||||
| Clarity Campaigns Lab (February 22-23, 2014) | 46% | 40% | 14% | +/-2.55 | 859 | ||||||||||||||
| Public Policy Polling (December 5-8, 2013) | 40% | 42% | 18% | +/-3 | 1,034 | ||||||||||||||
| Denno Research (November 12-14) | 37% | 36% | 27% | +/-4 | 600 | ||||||||||||||
| Inside Michigan Politics (October 29, 2013) | 43% | 38% | 19% | +/-4 | 794 | ||||||||||||||
| Public Policy Polling (October 14–15, 2013) | 43% | 36% | 21% | +/-3.9 | 642 | ||||||||||||||
| Mitchell Research (October 6–10, 2013) | 39% | 40% | 21% | +/-4 | 600 | ||||||||||||||
| EPIC-MRA (September 7–10, 2013) | 38% | 37% | 25% | +/-4 | 600 | ||||||||||||||
| Mitchell Research (August 26, 2013) | 36% | 39% | 25% | +/-2.23 | 1,881 | ||||||||||||||
| Note: A "0%" finding means the candidate was not a part of the poll. The polls above may not reflect all polls that have been conducted in this race. Those displayed are a random sampling chosen by Ballotpedia staff. If you would like to nominate another poll for inclusion in the table, send an email toeditor@ballotpedia.org | |||||||||||||||||||
Media
As of September 2014, 78 percent of money spent on television ads for this race had come from independent organizations. In support of Land, $8 million was spent on television ads from outside interest groups. Spending in support of Peters clocked in at $5.7 million.[14]
Miscalculations in Land's campaign
Early in the campaign, Land committed two missteps that she was unable to shake, partially because she declined to participate in many media interviews. The first gaffe occurred when Land released a campaign ad entitled "Really?" In the ad, Land said, “Congressman Gary Peters and his buddies want you to believe I’m waging a war on women. Really? Think about that for a moment.” This statement was followed by a long, awkward pause during which Land glances at her watch, drinks coffee and raises her eyebrows. Frank Luntz, a Republican pollster, deemed it the "worst ad of the year." The second blunder came several weeks later. When faced with questions from the press at a Chamber of Commerce conference, Land pushed away the microphones, saying, "I can't do this" and left.[3]
Candidates
Terri Lynn Land
Gary Peters
Outside Groups
Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee
Senate Majority PAC
AFSCME
Campaign contributions
| Candidate ballot access |
|---|
 |
| Find detailed information onballot access requirements in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. |
Gary Peters
| Gary Peters (2014) Campaign Finance Reports | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Report | Date Filed | Beginning Balance | Total Contributions for Reporting Period | Expenditures | Cash on Hand | ||||
| April Quarterly[15] | April 15, 2013 | $486,738.99 | $373,147.00 | $(46,500.46) | $813,385.53 | ||||
| July Quarterly[16] | July 15, 2013 | $813,385.53 | $1,049,815.42 | $(81,176.68) | $1,782,024.27 | ||||
| October Quarterly[17] | October 15, 2013 | $1,781,999.27 | $1,032,351.14 | $(315,307.30) | $2,499,043.11 | ||||
| Year-End[18] | January 31, 2014 | $2,499,093.15 | $1,008,572.93 | $(584,005.11) | $2,923,660.97 | ||||
| April Quarterly[19] | April 15, 2014 | $2,923,660.97 | $1,355,019.03 | $(822,276.22) | $3,456,403.78 | ||||
| July Quarterly[20] | July 15, 2014 | $3,456,403 | $1,964,341 | $(2,152,368) | $3,268,376 | ||||
| October Quarterly[21] | October 15, 2014 | $3,256,023 | $2,092,317 | $(2,698,161) | $2,650,179 | ||||
| Running totals | |||||||||
| $8,875,563.52 | $(6,699,794.77) | ||||||||
Terri Lynn Land
| Terri Lynn Land (2014) Campaign Finance Reports | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Report | Date Filed | Beginning Balance | Total Contributions for Reporting Period | Expenditures | Cash on Hand | ||||
| October Quarterly[22] | October 14, 2013 | $0.00 | $2,050,599.51 | $(111,787.10) | $1,938,812.41 | ||||
| Year-End[23] | January 31, 2014 | $1,938,812.41 | $1,662,812.68 | $(263,327.94) | $3,338,297.15 | ||||
| April Quarterly[24] | April 24, 2014 | $3,338,297.15 | $1,507,117.13 | $(483,993.25) | $4,351,421.03 | ||||
| July Quarterly[25] | July 15, 2014 | $4,361,421 | $3,386,199 | $(2,494,119) | $5,253,500 | ||||
| Running totals | |||||||||
| $8,606,728.32 | $(3,353,227.29) | ||||||||
Land contributed $1 million to her campaign in the third quarter, nearly half of her total contributions for the quarter.[26]
Election history
2012
On November 6, 2012,Debbie Stabenow won re-election to theUnited States Senate. She defeatedPete Hoekstra (R),Scotty Boman (L),Harley Mikkelson (G),Richard Matkin (UST) andJohn Litle (NLP) in the general election.
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Debbie StabenowIncumbent | 58.8% | 2,735,826 | |
| Republican | Pete Hoekstra | 38% | 1,767,386 | |
| Libertarian | Scotty Boman | 1.8% | 84,480 | |
| Green | Harley Mikkelson | 0.6% | 27,890 | |
| UST | Richard Matkin | 0.6% | 26,038 | |
| NLP | John Litle | 0.2% | 11,229 | |
| Total Votes | 4,652,849 | |||
| Source:Michigan Secretary of State "Official Election Results, 2012 General Election" | ||||
2008
On November 4, 2008, Carl Levin won re-election to theUnited States Senate. He defeated Jack Hoogendyk, Jr. (R), Scotty Boman (L), Harley G. Mikkelson (G), Michael N. Nikitin (U.S. Taxpayers Party) and Doug Dern (Natural Law) in the general election.[27]
| U.S. Senate, Michigan General Election, 2008 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
| Democratic | Carl Levinincumbent | 62.7% | 3,038,386 | |
| Republican | Jack Hoogendyk, Jr. | 33.8% | 1,641,070 | |
| Libertarian | Scotty Boman | 1.6% | 76,347 | |
| Green | Harley G. Mikkelson | 0.9% | 43,440 | |
| U.S. Taxpayers Party | Michael N. Nikitin | 0.6% | 30,827 | |
| Natural Law | Doug Dern | 0.4% | 18,550 | |
| Total Votes | 4,848,620 | |||
See also
- United States House of Representatives elections in Michigan, 2014
- United States Senate elections, 2014
- List of U.S. Congress incumbents not running for re-election in 2014
External links
Footnotes
- ↑Cook Political Report, "2014 SENATE RACE RATINGS FOR JULY 18, 2014," accessed July 24, 2014
- ↑Sabato's Crystal Ball, "2014 Senate Races," accessed July 24, 2014
- ↑3.03.1The Atlantic, "Did Republicans Blow the Michigan Senate Race?" October 14, 2014
- ↑Detroit Free Press, "GOP cancels spending on TV ads for Terri Lynn Land," October 7, 2014
- ↑USA Today, "Obama stumps for Democratic Senate candidate," November 2, 2014
- ↑Michigan Legislature, "MCL - Section 168.531," accessed December 9, 2025
- ↑Michigan Legislature, "MCL - Section 168.576," accessed December 9, 2025
- ↑Michigan Department of State Website, "Registering to Vote: Step 2," accessed January 3, 2014
- ↑Carl Levin, U.S. Senator from Michigan, "Newsroom: Sen. Carl Levin announces he will not seek re-election in 2014," March 7, 2013
- ↑Washington Post "Dave Camp might run for Senate in Michigan," accessed July 15, 2013
- ↑Detroit Free Press, "Super PAC commercial targets U.S. Rep. Peters, parodies Pure Michigan ads," September 18, 2013
- ↑12.012.1Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
- ↑The Washington Post, "The Fix’s top 10 Senate races of 2014," accessed December 10, 2013
- ↑MLive, "Michigan Delegation: 78% of U.S. Senate TV ads bought by outside organizations," September 7, 2014
- ↑Federal Election Commission, "Gary Peters April Quarterly," accessed July 30, 2013
- ↑Federal Election Commission, "Gary Peters July Quarterly," accessed July 30, 2013
- ↑Federal Election Commission, "Gary Peters October Quarterly," accessed October 28, 2013
- ↑Federal Election Commission, "Gary Peters Year-End," accessed February 10, 2014
- ↑Federal Election Commission, "Gary Peters April Quarterly," accessed April 29, 2014
- ↑Federal Election Commission, "July Quarterly," accessed October 15, 2014
- ↑Federal Election Commission, "October Quarterly," accessed October 20, 2014
- ↑Federal Election Commission, "Terri Lynn Land October Quarterly," accessed October 28, 2013
- ↑Federal Election Commission, "Terri Lynn Land Year-End." accessed April 29, 2014
- ↑Federal Election Commission, "Terri Lynn Land April Quarterly," accessed April 29, 2014
- ↑Federal Election Commission, "July Quarterly," accessed October 15, 2014
- ↑Roll Call, "Two Senate Candidates Put Up $1 Million or More for 2014," October 28, 2013
- ↑U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 4, 2008," accessed March 28, 2013
