Nov 4, 2020 - Politics & Policy

Democrat Gary Peters wins Senate re-election in Michigan

Gary Peters holds a face mask and a microphone

Sen. Gary Peters campaigns at a drive-in rally, Oct. 31. Photo: Drew Angerer/Getty Images

Democrat Sen. Gary Peters has won re-election in Michigan against Republican businessman and veteran John James, AP projects.

Why it matters: It's a crucial win for Democrats, who have seen their chances of flipping the Senate fade away after failing to defeat vulnerable Republicans in Maine, Iowa, Montana and other states.

  • The Senate Leadership Fund, a super PAC associated with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, threw $4.6 million behind James' campaign over Halloween.
  • The Senate race was one of the most expensive in Michigan history, local outlet MLive reports.

The big picture: Joe Biden is also projected to defeat President Trump in Michigan, a key pickup that substantially narrows Trump's path to 270 electoral votes.

Data: AP; Chart: Naema Ahmed, Andrew Witherspoon, Danielle Alberti/Axios
Data: AP; Chart: Naema Ahmed, Andrew Witherspoon, Danielle Alberti/Axios

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