The 1994 United States Senate election in Michigan was held November 8, 1994. Incumbent Democratic Senator Don Riegle decided not run for re-election. Spencer Abraham won the open seat, becoming the first Republican to win a U.S. Senate race in Michigan since Robert P. Griffin in 1972 and the first to win the state's Class I seat since Charles E. Potter in 1952. As of 2026, this was the last time that a Republican was elected to a U.S. Senate seat in Michigan.
Background Riegle, a three term incumbent, was considered one of the most vulnerable Senate Democrats in the 1994 mid-term elections, due to the unpopularity of President Bill Clinton and his being involved as a member of the Keating Five, a group of five United States Senators who were accused of corruption. After months of speculation, Riegle announced he would not seek a 4th term in a speech on the Senate floor.
Democratic primary Candidates William Brodhead, former U.S. Representative from Detroit Bob Carr, U.S. Representative from East Lansing Joel Ferguson, businessman and member of the Democratic National Committee John F. Kelly, State Senator from Grosse Pointe Woods Carl Marlinga, Macomb County Prosecuting Attorney Lana Pollack, State Senator from Ann Arbor
Declined Donald W. Riegle, incumbent Senator since 1977
Results
Republican primary Candidates Spencer Abraham, former chairman of the Michigan Republican Party Ronna Romney, conservative radio talk show host
Campaign The Republican primary campaign amicably divided the Romney family. Though Ronna Romney had divorced Scott Romney two years prior, Scott's brother Mitt Romney (also a candidate for the United States Senate in Massachusetts) returned to Michigan to campaign for her. Scott and Mitt's father George W. Romney, the former Governor of Michigan, endorsed Abraham, having promised Abraham the endorsement prior to her candidacy. Her daughter, the future Chairman of the Republican National Committee Ronna Romney McDaniel, volunteered as a driver during her campaign.
Results
General election Candidates Spencer Abraham, former chairman of the Michigan Republican Party (Republican) Bob Carr, U.S. Representative from East Lansing (Democratic) Jon Coon (Libertarian) William Roundtree (Workers' World) Chris Wege (Natural Law)
Results
See also Politics of the United States 1994 United States Senate elections
References