Michigan Democratic U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin reserves over $8 million in ads for Michigan Senate race

In the race for Michigan's open U.S. Senate seat, Democratic Rep. Elissa Slotkin is leveraging her fundraising advantage by investing $8 million in advertising leading up to the general election. Slotkin is the frontrunner for the Democratic nomination, expected to face a Republican nominee backed by national groups. The campaign aims to engage voters and secure Slotkin's Senate seat, with concerns arising from President Biden's debate performance potentially impacting down-ballot races. Slotkin, serving her third term in Congress, announced her Senate campaign in February 2023 and has amassed significant support through fundraising and endorsements. With over $16 million raised and $8.6 million in cash on hand, Slotkin's primary challenger, actor Hill Harper, faces a fundraising gap. National Republican groups are intensifying their involvement in the race, eyeing a potential Senate victory in Michigan, a state they haven't won since 1994. The Senate Republicans' campaign arm has announced substantial ad buys in key swing states, including Michigan. The top Republican candidates in the race have not matched Slotkin's fundraising prowess, with one candidate raising only $2.9 million by the end of March. Businessman Sandy Pensler, another GOP candidate, has spent over $3 million on ads attacking Slotkin. Democrats are countering with their own significant ad buys, with the Senate Democrats' campaign arm reserving close to $10 million and their PAC making an additional $17 million in ad reservations. The battle for Michigan's Senate seat is intensifying as both parties gear up for a competitive election. In summary, Slotkin's strategic ad investment, coupled with her fundraising lead and strong Democratic support, positions her as a formidable contender for Michigan's Senate seat. The race is heating up as national groups on both sides pour resources into advertising campaigns, setting the stage for a closely watched and fiercely contested election in the state.