Haley Stevens Running for U.S. Senate as She Pushes to Restore Social Security Staffing After Trump Administration Cuts

Former State Representative Joins Democratic Senate Field as She Pledges to Fix Social Security Service

WASHINGtON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Haley Stevens has entered the crowded Democratic field to compete for Michigan's open U.S. Senate seat, positioning herself as a moderate alternative to progressive state Senator Mallory McMorrow and physician Abdul El-Sayed. Stevens is also launching her own legislative agenda, introducing the Social Security Customer Service Act to reverse staffing cuts at the Social Security Administration.

The Michigan congressman represents the 11th District, which includes most of Oakland County and many of Detroit's northern suburbs. Stevens is currently serving in Congress since 2021 and has been a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, which handles Social Security and Medicare legislation.

A Three-Way Democratic Race

Michigan will elect a new U.S. Senator in November 2026, as incumbent Gary Peters has announced his retirement. The primary election takes place on August 4, with the general election on November 3.

Stevens faces competition from three other candidates:

• Mallory McMorrow, a state senator who is favored by much of the Democratic establishment
• Abdul El-Sayed, a former Wayne County public health official and 2018 gubernatorial candidate who is running with progressive backing
• Mike Rogers, a Republican challenger

The race represents a proxy battle within the Democratic Party, with each candidate offering a different vision for Michigan's political future. El-Sayed has courted college voters and controversy in the Senate race, while McMorrow is backed by establishment Democrats. Stevens positions herself as a pragmatic moderate who can bridge the party's divisions.

Social Security Staffing Crisis

Stevens' top legislative priority is reversing what she describes as the largest staffing cut in the Social Security Administration's history. In the first five months of the Trump Administration, more than 7,000 SSA workers were forced out, according to her office.

"The result: a beneficiary-to-staff ratio of 1,480 to one, compared to 480 to one in 1967," Stevens said in a press release.

The cuts are already hitting Americans hard, according to Stevens. Long wait times, system outages, understaffed field offices, and delayed benefits are creating real uncertainty for millions who rely on Social Security to pay bills and plan for retirement.

The Social Security Customer Service Act

Stevens introduced the Social Security Customer Service Act on April 2, 2026. The legislation would:

• Restore SSA staffing to end-of-Biden Administration levels
• Require at least 75 percent of new hires to serve in customer service roles
• Direct the remaining 25 percent to critical support and management positions that directly serve beneficiaries

"By prioritizing customer-facing staff, the bill targets resources where they're needed most, helping Michiganders access benefits quickly and reliably," Stevens said.

The legislation has earned the endorsement of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE). AFGE National President Everett B. Kelley said: "We thank Rep. Stevens for her leadership in standing up for the federal workforce and helping ensure SSA has the frontline staff needed to deliver timely service to seniors, people with disabilities, and families."

Trump Administration Response

The Trump Administration has defended its changes to the Social Security Administration in a press release celebrating the agency's 90th anniversary. White House Assistant Press Secretary Liz Huston said: "By massively improving the customer service experience through technological improvements, preventing illegal aliens from accessing benefits, and delivering no taxes on Social Security through the One Big Beautiful Bill, President Trump has Made Social Security Great Again."

Despite that position, Stevens maintains the picture on the ground looks very different for her constituents and the federal employees who staff the offices.

"I want these agencies to work for Michiganders, because we pay into them and that's what's owed to people," Stevens said. "And so, you know, you continue to get bluster from the administration, but I do know what's happening with my constituents."

Stevens noted that Congress approved the higher staffing levels in past years. The legislation could have an uphill battle in the Republican-led Congress, but she hopes it could get done, possibly as part of an end-of-the-year government funding package.

Social Security's Future

Meanwhile, federal lawmakers have incentives to look at Social Security policies in general. Social Security's trust fund for retirement benefits may run out in 2032, which could prompt an across-the-board benefit cut, if Congress doesn't address the issue.

Stevens' proposal would require most of the new hires to serve in customer service roles, addressing the immediate crisis of overwhelmed call centers and field offices. The remaining 25 percent of positions would go to critical support and management that directly serves beneficiaries.

Michigan Politics Context

The Michigan Senate race is one of the key competitive races in the 2026 midterms. Michigan backed Donald Trump in both 2016 and 2024, but has continued to elect Democrats to statewide offices. The state is also electing a new governor, attorney general, and secretary of state in November.

Stevens has been active on multiple issues during her time in Congress, including health care, climate policy, and government oversight. Her entry into the Senate race adds another layer to the already competitive Democratic primary.

The legislation could face challenges in the Republican-controlled Congress, but Stevens has positioned it as essential for restoring basic government service for working families across Michigan and beyond.

Sources: WEMU-FM, Michigan Public, WDET, Congresswoman Haley Stevens official press release