Michigan Democrats Make Tariffs a Central Campaign Issue

Michigan's Democratic candidates are making trade policies and tariffs a central issue in their campaigns against Republican opponents. The state has deep economic ties to Canada, its largest international trading partner, with $23.2 billion worth of goods exported in 2025 alone.

The breakdown in trade negotiations between the US and Canada has led to significant tariff increases on both sides, including a 50% levy on Canadian goods worth $20 billion by the US. The tariffs have already taken a toll on Michigan's economy, with households paying an additional $5,619 in tariffs from January 2025 to June 2026.

Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed and gubernatorial nominee Jocelyn Benson have been critical of President Trump's trade policies, calling for a more targeted approach. El-Sayed has compared using tariffs to treating cancer with chemotherapy, saying that 'if you treat your patient with all the chemo all at once, you'll kill your patient.'

Michigan Republicans, including gubernatorial nominee John James and Senate candidate Mike Rogers, have had to navigate their loyalty to the president while also addressing voters' concerns about tariffs. Both races are expected to be close, with polls showing a tight contest between Benson and James in the governor's race.

Voters in Michigan are overwhelmingly opposed to tariffs, with 48% opposing them and only 43% supporting them. The trade war with Canada has further soured many voters on President Trump's administration, with some calling for an end to the tariffs.