Hill Harper, actor from ‘The Good Doctor,’ declares candidacy for US Senate in Michigan

Hill Harper, an actor known for his role on “The Good Doctor” and host of HLN’s “How It Really Happened,” has announced his candidacy for the US Senate in Michigan. Harper, a Democrat, is running to fill the seat of retiring Democratic Senator Debbie Stabenow. He joins a primary field that already includes Michigan Representative Elissa Slotkin, who announced her candidacy in February and is seen as a top contender.

In a tweet on Monday, Harper expressed his commitment to taking on special interests and getting money out of politics. He believes that the government should work for all people, not just lobbyists and big-dollar donors. Harper’s decision to run for the Senate comes from a desire to represent the people of Michigan in a strong and bold way.

During an interview on CNN, Harper acknowledged that the primary race would be a massive challenge. He emphasized that it is still early in the race and that there may be other candidates entering the field. Despite some Democrats advising him not to run, Harper sees their reservations as simply part of the process.

Harper’s campaign website highlights his background as a lawyer, actor, and single father. His announcement video is dedicated to his son, whom he adopted. In the video, Harper speaks about the divisive and dangerous world that his son is growing up in, emphasizing the need for change. He believes that too many politicians in office do not truly care about the people they represent.

The Michigan Senate seat is crucial for Democrats, as the state flipped from Donald Trump in 2016 to Joe Biden in 2020. Democrats are defending 23 of the 34 Senate seats up for reelection next year, including three seats in states that backed Trump by at least 8 points in 2020. Along with Michigan, the party is also defending seats in other battleground states such as Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.

Harper’s entrance into the race adds another dynamic to an already competitive primary. With his background as an actor and television host, Harper brings a unique perspective to the campaign. As the primary progresses, it will be interesting to see how Harper’s message resonates with voters and how he differentiates himself from the other candidates.

This story has been updated with additional information.

Original Story at www.cnn.com – 2023-07-12 03:44:00