Michigan is a battleground state in the upcoming presidential election.

And the state’s Democratic members of Congress say they also feel good about their party’s chances to take back the U.S. House by riding the wave of enthusiasm currently surrounding the Harris-Walz ticket.

That includes Michigan Democratic Congresswoman Haley Stevens, who represents much of Oakland County in the state’s 11th Congressional District

I spoke with Stevens at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Wednesday about the political momentum within the Democratic Party and whether they’ll be able to sustain it going into the general election in November.

Listen: Haley Stevens on political sugar high at the DNC, top priorities for the state

The following interview has been edited for clarity and length.

Haley Stevens: It was certainly so exciting for Democrats all over this country to be in the room with the 44th president of the United States, Barack Obama, and of course, our former First Lady Michelle Obama. The wisdom, the power of their coupledom, the message that they delivered — which was grounding — and it reminded us that we really have work to do, and we can’t take things for granted. We got to go with the good vibes. We know what’s at stake. And as Michelle Obama said, “we have to do something.”

Quinn Klinefelter: Some of the pundits and so on have said, “can you keep this kind of political sugar high going all the way to the election day?”

HS: Well, we know the seasons are going to change. We’re still in summer. The election’s not until to the fall. Moods change with seasons absolutely. We also know that gravity is real, and it feels as though we’re flying very high. One of the elements of the Harris-Walz ticket that I find very optimistic and important for Democrats, as we’re heading into November though, is the more you get to know the two of them and their vision for our country, the more you like them, the more you like what you’re hearing. It’s practical, it’s real, it’s relatable. Kamala Harris — having worked her way through college, worked in McDonald’s — Tim Walz sleeves rolled up, governor of Minnesota, someone who coached high school sports as well as served in the United States military… I think that that really speaks to people. Whereas JD Vance, President Trump’s runningmate, he’s a wardrobe in search of a bedroom. He doesn’t know who he is. He’s saying one thing one week and another thing the other. And I don’t understand why he’s taking shots at women, and I hear that from voters. I think that’s very real.

When we know that the economy is going to be the most important issue, we should just be focusing on the economy. Kamala Harris is rolling out an economic agenda. She’s not afraid to say the words middle class. I can’t remember the last time I heard Donald Trump say that.

QK: The economy does seem to be the overriding issue for a lot of voters. You talk to some of the people in the metro region, they’ll say, “things were so great when Trump was president, the prices were lower, things were happening.” What would you say to those people?

HS: Look, we’ve got to make sure that people feel a certain way about the Harris-Walz ticket, carrying forward from the administration of President Biden, we see that we have the highest levels of employment in Detroit in over 50 years. We have record new factory growth. We, frankly, as the United States of America are buoying the world’s economy, we also though have to understand it’s very real what people are experiencing at the grocery stores. And so Kamala Harris has put forward a plan to tackle costs, to tackle shrinkflation. And what is the first thing that the Trump-Vance ticket says in response to that? “That’s communism.” Give me a break.

QK: There’s been questions about how either side, if they get in, would be able to pay for these kind of things. I mean, you’re on the front lines in Congress. Where do they get the money from? If there’s tax cuts, if there’s other programs that are going to be going forward, where can the money come to try to pay for some of these things?

HS: Well, it’s certainly very concerning to me that if you look at the previous term, Trump’s approach to global competition was largely to tariff goods. Then the pandemic hit, and as a result, those two events very much increased the cost of goods across the board. So our sugar farmers, their equipment is twice as much as it used to be. Sugar is in how much of our food? — as much as we like it or not — and that’s contributing to rising costs. We do need to be responsible about the pay-fors.

We in the Democratic caucus put forward a rules package when we were in the majority, making sure that we were paying as we go for things, offsetting costs, without slashing programs in the government that are working for people, and also making sure that we weren’t increasing our debt as a result. We have a tax bill that we’re going to be reauthorizing. I want to do that under Kamala Harris, because more tax cuts for large corporations and nothing for middle class workers is not going to work. It’s going to fail people, and people need to know that.

QK: Apart from the economy, what other issues do you see that you think are going to be prime importance in Michigan and Oakland County?

HS: Well, certainly when we talk about the economy, we’re also talking about transportation and housing. Those two issues are inextricable, and they’re deeply important in Oakland County. I also think there’s an undergird certainly around national security and foreign policy and some of the toughness — particularly from independent voters — that they want to see from their next commander in chief on the world stage.

We all have to remember that Donald Trump shoots from the hip. He’s tweeting at world leaders in the middle of the night. He’s very unpredictable. It felt like he was going to lead us into war many times. I see in Kamala Harris, someone who’s going to be tough on national security and is going to take her next chapter of her campaign to communicating how she plans to lead on the world stage.

QK: There has been protests here, obviously, regarding the situation in Gaza, how do you see that playing out, and how do you see that impacting the election as you head in November?

HS: Well, we’re a big tent party, and certainly when people disagree with each other, they’re not chased out. And I think it’s actually a productive and good thing that we have people who are not necessarily on the same page with one another, but are engaging with one another respectfully. What we don’t want to see is see protests taking down the event at hand, which is obviously our Democratic National Convention, leading to hate, leading to violence. None of that’s happening here. The city of Chicago is shining. Michigan is shining here. And as a lawmaker who represents a very diverse population and has had to take tough votes and take tough positions, I’m not here trying to thread a needle in the middle to pretend like I’m going to make everyone happy. Votes are binary. Leadership is oftentimes binary in terms of executive decisions, and that’s what Kamala Harris is showing she’s extended some olive branches, but her positions in the Middle East are clear. 

Use the media player above to listen to the interview with Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens.

Read more:

• Will Democrats’ enthusiasm prove contagious for independent voters?
• Whitmer shares goals for Democratic Party, Michigan ahead of DNC address
• Mike Duggan talks public transit, city’s new solar program at DNC

The 2024 Michigan primary takes place on Tuesday, Aug. 6.

The state’s 11th Congressional District incumbent, Democrat Haley Stevens, faces challenger Ahmed Ghanim. On the Republican side, two attorneys face off as Charles Frangie and Nick Somberg are both on the ballot.

Related: 2024 WDET Voter Guide

The 11th Congressional District includes Ferndale, Royal Oak, Pontiac, Oak Park and more. View the district’s map below.

Editor’s note: WDET distributed surveys to local, county and congressional candidates in key races on the August primary ballot to gain a deeper understanding of what’s motivating them to run. Responses have been edited for clarity and length.

Jump to candidate

• Haley Stevens (D-Incumbent)
• Ahmed Ghanim (D)
• Nick Somberg (R)
• Charles Frangie (R)

Democratic Candidates

Name: Haley Stevens

Age: 41

Current Occupation: U.S. Congresswoman

Education: American University B.A. in Political Science and Philosophy, M.A. in Social Policy and Philosophy

Tell us about yourself in 200 words or less.

I was born in Rochester Hills, Mich., and graduated from Seaholm High School in Birmingham. Before becoming the Congresswoman for Michigan’s 11th district, I served as the Chief of Staff to the U.S. Auto Rescue Task Force and my team saved General Motors, Chrysler and 200,000 Michigan jobs.

Now, as a member of Congress, I sit on the House Committees on Education and the Workforce and Science, Space & Technology, where I serve as the Ranking Member of the Research & Technology Subcommittee. My first bill that was signed into law, the Building Blocks of STEM Act, advanced the role of girls and students of color in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields.

Making it possible for women of all ages to build successful lives and careers within my district and our country has always been one of my greatest passions.

Why are you running for Michigan’s 11th congressional district?

I am running for reelection to continue to build on my legislative progress on trade, manufacturing and industrial-policy issues. As part of my Manufacturing Monday program, I have conducted over 200 visits with manufacturers and my finger remains on the pulse of what Michigan’s workers and manufacturers need to succeed.

My record of accomplishment includes standing up for Michigan’s workers and families — from helping shepherd the CHIPS and Science Act into law to returning over $125 million to MI-11 families. We, however, have so much work to do to advance a trade agenda that strengthens America’s manufacturing base and supports Michigan taxpayers and businesses.

My district is in the heart of Michigan’s economic base — Oakland County — and I believe in serving as a convener to bring together stakeholders at municipal, state and federal levels to address challenges and seize opportunities. It is the joy of my life to work alongside these stakeholders and represent the communities I have long called home.

What are the top 3 priority issues that the 11th Congressional District faces and what actions would you, as its representative, take regarding each of them?

Like many other communities across the country, the 11th Congressional District faces issues of injustice and I am running for reelection to rectify them. My top three priorities are as follows:

1. To protect and enshrine women’s rights.
2. To increase opportunities for women and girls in STEM education.
3. To end the epidemic of gun violence.

What is your stance on gun reform in the U.S.?

Gun violence has become a larger issue in our country and the state of Michigan as time has gone on. That is why one of my top priorities is to do whatever I can to put an end to this epidemic. I have co-sponsored and voted for every piece of legislation aimed at reducing gun violence, even while millions were spent against me by the NRA and other Republicans for my policy views. We must end loopholes in the background checks system, from the boyfriend loopholes to the gun show ones. We have to crack down on ghost guns, assault weapons, and put in an endless amount of work to enforce these laws. No one, under any circumstances, should fall victim to gun violence.

What is your stance on abortion rights?

I unequivocally support a woman’s right to choose and have been endorsed each election cycle by the Planned Parenthood Action Fund. Abortion is healthcare and all women must be able to make the decision that is best for them and their families. Even as I had millions of dollars spent against me through Republican attacks, I voted twice in support of the Women’s Health Protection Act to codify Roe v. Wade. Now more than ever, as the right to an abortion is under attack across the nation, we need pro-choice women in Congress who will never stop fighting to defend the right to choose.

What is your solution to fight the current inflation crisis in the U.S.?

I have worked to reduce inflation by voting for the Inflation Reduction Act which invested billions of dollars in domestic energy production, while lowering prescription drug costs and insurance premiums for seniors and working families. Families in my district are facing too many hardships due to the rising costs of living — and we owe it to them to make taxes reasonable, wages sufficient and basic services affordable.

What actions/decisions by your challenger have you disagreed with and how would you  do things differently?

I am not here to belittle or attack my opponent in this primary. I believe that my accomplishments, voting record and community activism will push us over the finish line in this election. Neither I, nor my team, have any interest in running a smear campaign as we have seen enough of this in our political arena.

Name: Ahmed Ghanim

Ahmed Ghanim did not respond to our questionnaire. You can view more information at Ghanim’s official campaign website.

Republican Candidates

Name: Nick Somberg

Age: 34

Current Occupation: Attorney and entrepreneur

Education: BA, Oakland University | JD, Western Michigan Thomas Cooley Law School

Tell us about yourself in 200 words or less.

I’m Nick Somberg, a dedicated attorney and entrepreneur from Bingham Farms, Mich. I’ve built my career on defending liberty, battling government corruption, and fighting for those who can’t defend themselves. As a millennial, a self-made entrepreneur and a lawyer, I understand the challenges facing everyday Americans. I’ve fought against prosecutors, judges and corrupt police — securing justice and protecting individual freedoms. I am inspired by the principles of liberty and constitutional, I feel called to step up in these critical times. My candidacy isn’t just about political parties — it’s about restoring faith in our system and ensuring that every American’s voice is heard.

Why are you running for Michigan’s 11th Congressional District?

I am running for Michigan’s 11th Congressional District because I believe our country needs leaders who are committed to preserving our national identity, promoting economic growth, and defending individual freedoms. I want to help save America. Things aren’t going well, and that’s why I’m stepping up.

I’ve never run for office before, but I want to make a difference and do what’s right. My candidacy goes beyond political parties — it’s about whether you love America and the principles this country stands for. As someone who has fought corruption and defended liberty, I believe I can bring a fresh perspective to Congress and address the key issues that matter to all of us.

What are the top 3 priority issues that the 11th Congressional District faces and what actions would you, as its representative, take regarding each of them?

Economic Growth and Job Creation

Action: Support policies that reduce taxes and regulations on small businesses to foster economic growth and create jobs. Advocate for investment in local infrastructure projects to stimulate the economy and provide employment opportunities.

Healthcare Reform

Action: Work towards making healthcare more affordable and accessible by promoting competition in the healthcare market and supporting policies that reduce prescription drug costs. Push for transparency in healthcare pricing to empower consumers. 

Education and Workforce Development

Action: Advocate for increased funding for vocational and technical education programs to provide students with the skills needed for today’s job market. Support policies that make higher education more affordable and reduce student loan debt.

What is your stance on gun reform in the U.S.?

I firmly support the Second Amendment, which exists to allow citizens to defend themselves, including against potential government overreach. I support nationwide concealed carry, the elimination of unnecessary gun laws. I advocate for common-sense security measures in schools, such as mandatory check-in points similar to those in courthouses. Any reforms must respect the constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens while addressing the issue of gun violence through better enforcement of existing laws and improved mental health support.

What is your stance on abortion rights?

It is always difficult when a woman who is contemplating abortion has the government involved with her decision. With the recent overturn of Roe v. Wade, decisions on abortion are now up to the states. Personally, I am pro-life, believing that abortion is a sin against God. I agree with legal exceptions for the life of the mother, cases of rape and incest, and within the first trimester.

We need to change the culture in America to reduce the number of abortions by promoting adoption, supporting women and families facing tough decisions, and investing in education and preventive measures to reduce unintended pregnancies. Additionally, men currently have zero reproductive rights and face systematic discrimination in family courts. We need family law reform to ensure men and women are treated equally.

What is your solution to fight the current inflation crisis in the U.S.?

To combat the current inflation crisis, we need to address wasteful government spending and implement sound fiscal policies. My approach includes:

Reducing Wasteful Spending

Eliminate unnecessary government expenditures and redirect funds to essential services and infrastructure.

Stop Printing Money

We need to stop printing money that is not backed by tangible assets, as this devalues our currency and fuels inflation.

Audit or Eliminate the Federal Reserve

The Federal Reserve’s practices need to be scrutinized, and I support either auditing or eventually eliminating it to prevent irresponsible monetary policies.

Promoting Economic Growth

Support policies that stimulate economic growth, such as tax cuts and reducing regulatory burdens on businesses. 

Strengthening the Dollar

Advocate for monetary policies that strengthen the dollar and control inflation, including prudent management of interest rates by the Federal Reserve.

What actions/decisions by your challenger have you disagreed with and how would you do things differently?

Haley Stevens has demonstrated a lack of respect for the Second Amendment, as evidenced by her behavior at a gun control rally where she shouted, “The NRA has got to go!” This reaction shows her disregard for the rights of law-abiding gun owners and the Constitution. I firmly support the Second Amendment and believe in protecting the right to bear arms.

Stevens is also pro-lockdown and anti-freedom, having supported strict lockdown measures during the COVID-19 pandemic. These measures infringed on personal freedoms and caused significant economic harm. I believe in balancing public health with individual rights and would advocate for policies that respect both.

Moreover, Stevens has shown unwavering support for Joe Biden, even when it was clear that he was not physically or mentally fit for the presidency. This blind allegiance to party lines over the best interests of the country is concerning. I prioritize the well-being of my constituents and the nation over party politics, and I will always advocate for what is right, regardless of party lines.

Name: Charles Frangie

Age: 74

Current Occupation: Attorney

Education: LLM, University of Mississippi Law School

Tell us about yourself in 200 words or less.

My father was born in the United States of parents who had emigrated from Lebanon. He returned to Lebanon as a young man, married my mother and I was born in Lebanon. Our family escaped war-torn Lebanon and returned to the United States in the early 1980s, finding freedom in this great nation. I became an American citizen after going through the naturalization process.

Before coming to America, I received a law degree from the University of Lebanon, and here in America I received a law degree and master of law from the University of Mississippi. I built a successful legal practice in Oakland County. My wife and I have two daughters. 

Like so many immigrants here in Southeast Michigan, I have prospered in the freedom guaranteed in this great nation. My conservative principles are grounded in my Christian faith and enhanced by my belief in individual liberty. That’s why I have worked so hard to guarantee justice for all in my community. I also want every citizen to have the ability to achieve the American Dream as I have. I will never stop working to make that dream a reality for all.

Why are you running for Michigan’s 11th Congressional District?

America is at a crossroads and I believe that citizens of goodwill must step forward to serve. Too many families are suffering in this economy and I believe I can do a better job to reflect the needs of those families.

What are the top 3 priority issues that the 11th Congressional District faces and what actions would you, as its representative, take regarding each of them?

First, we must make this economy work for American families by getting control of inflation which is a stealth tax on their bottom line. We must get government spending, which drives up inflation, under control. We must reduce taxes on families and small businesses which are the engine that drives our economy forward, and reduce government overregulation, which is a foot on the neck of those seeking to help grow our economy.

Second, we must secure our southern border and stop the illegal immigration that is a drag on our economy and has allowed criminals who’ve raped and murdered innocent Americans, people on the terrorist watch list, and deadly drugs to flow across our border. The border must be secured.

Third, we must end the Biden-Harris electric vehicle mandate which threatens Michigan’s most vital industry. Over 80% of all minerals needed to make electric vehicle batteries are controlled or processed by, China so this mandate makes us far more dependent on China. While electric vehicles may have a place in the market, government must not dictate what type of car people should drive.

What is your stance on gun reform in the U.S.?

As a lawyer, I understand that the Second Amendment guarantees the right of law-abiding American citizens to own firearms. I am willing to have conversations on reasonable efforts to keep our communities and schools safe and secure within the parameters of the Second Amendment. There are also many laws on the books now that are not enforced, particularly against criminals who use firearms while committing crimes. Prosecutors need to enforce those laws first before going after law-abiding citizens.

What is your stance on abortion rights? 

I am personally pro-life which is grounded in my Christian faith. I understand others have different views, and the people of Michigan settled this issue in our state with the passage of Proposal 3 in 2022. I will not pass any legislation that goes against the will of the people I’m elected to represent.

What is your solution to fight the current inflation crisis in the U.S.?

Inflation was driven up by out of control government spending. Particularly the Green New Deal-type legislation that pumped an endless supply of money into the economy and cheapened the value of every family’s hard earned dollars. This pumping of money has also forced the Federal Reserve to dramatically raise interest rates, making everything from buying a home, paying off credit cards, buying a car and everything else that is done on credit unaffordable.

We need to cut back, make government live within its means, and allow American taxpayers to keep more of what they earn.  That is the only way to solve this terrible stealth tax on American families of inflation and high interest rates.

What actions/decisions by your challenger have you disagreed with and how would you do things differently?

Congresswoman Stevens has voted with the Biden-Harris administration nearly 100% of the time. Supporting massive spending that has driven up inflation, the EV mandate which threatens our auto industry, and the open southern border that has led to over 10,000,000 illegal border crossings. I would have voted opposite on each and every one of those issues.